The Los Angeles Dodgers signed free agent relief pitcher Jake Cousins to an MLB contract and added him to their active roster just as Spring Training came to an end.
However, Cousins is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent on June 19, 2025, so he will likely be placed on the 60-day injured list soon. Given the recovery timeline, Cousins will miss most of the season and could return around July or later, as previous recovery timelines for relievers suggest.
Cousins last pitched for the New York Yankees during the 2024 season, when he was one of their top arms out of the bullpen. He posted a 2.37 ERA across 38 innings while striking out 53 hitters compared to 20 walks.
He also pitched in the postseason, allowing five runs in five innings, three of which came against the Dodgers in the 2024 World Series.
The Yankees non-tendered Cousins earlier this offseason, making him a free agent.
The 31-year-old also spent parts of three seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers from 2021-23, pitching to a 3.08 ERA over 52.2 innings with 12.30 strikeouts per nine and 6.32 walks per nine.
Over his career, the right-hander has thrown 90.2 innings with a 2.78 ERA.
Given his recovery will cause him to miss much or all of 2026, Cousins likely signed a one-year deal with an option for 2027, or a straight-up two-year deal.
Jake Cousins is also the cousin of NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Bobby Miller placed on 60-day injured list
To make room on their 40-man roster to sign Cousins, the Dodgers placed Bobby Miller on the 60-day IL with right shoulder soreness.
Miller did not appear in a Spring Training game this year due to his right shoulder troubles. He did advance to throwing bullpen sessions near the middle of camp, but he still has more work to do before he can get back on a mound.
It’s currently unclear whether Miller’s progression has stalled or whether the organization doesn’t believe he’ll be ready to pitch in a game over the next two months.
The 26-year-old only appeared in two games for the Dodgers last season, throwing five innings with a 12.60 ERA. After a fantastic rookie season in 2023, Miller has struggled to find any success again, and he has now hit another roadblock in his path.
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