The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen was among the areas of the roster that received an infusion of talent during the offseason, but the group faces some questions early into Spring Training.
Evan Phillips (tear in right rotator cuff) and Michael Kopech (right forearm inflammation) are both behind schedule and candidates to begin the season on the injured list. That will be the case for Brusdar Graterol, who underwent right shoulder surgery during the offseason and is likely to miss at least the first half of 2025.
Whether as added insurance or merely organizational depth, the Dodgers signed Luis García to a Minor League contract with a non-roster invite to Spring Training, according to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball:
The Dodgers and RHP Luis Garcia have agreed to a minor league deal, sources tell @JustBB_Media. Includes an invite to Spring Training.
Garcia started the 2024 season with the Angels before he was acquired by the Red Sox at the deadline in exchange for four prospects.
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) February 14, 2025
García joins the Dodgers after spending the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox. He signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract with the Angels in December 2023 and was traded to the Red Sox last July in exchange for Matthew Lugo, Yeferson Vargas, Niko Kavadas and Ryan Zeferjahn.
García earned his way into a setup role with the Angels behind a 3.71 ERA, 3.69 FIP and 1.17 WHIP across 45 appearances.
However, the right-hander struggled with the Red Sox to the tune of an 8.22 ERA and 1.63 WHIP in 15 games. Included in his time with Boston was a stint on the 15-day injured list because of right elbow inflammation.
García closed out the regular season by allowing just one run over four innings pitched in four games upon returning from the elbow injury.
Luis García’s potential role with Dodgers
There isn’t much flexibility in the Dodgers bullpen due to Alex Vesia being the lone regular with a Minor League option remaining. That wouldn’t figure to bode well for García, but he’s a valuable candidate to have in the organization should the Dodgers face a need because of injuries.
García otherwise figures to begin the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
