The Los Angeles Dodgers announced the signing of veteran relief pitcher Justin Grimm to a Minor League contract. Grimm spent this spring with the Cleveland Indians but recently opted out of his contract to test free agency.
Given the Dodgers’ injuries in their starting staff, they are currently in need of a long reliever as Ross Stripling and Julio Urias were moved into the rotation to begin the season.
The other candidates for that long relief role are Dennis Santana and Brock Stewart, although they have both had very underwhelming springs.
Grimm appeared in nine Cactus League games with the Indians this year, pitching to a 1.04 ERA and 1.39 WHIP with nine strikeouts and four walks in 8.2 innings.
The 30-year-old spent the 2018 season with the Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners, appearing in 21 total games. He did not fare that well, yielding a 10.38 ERA, 6.56 FIP and 1.90 WHIP while striking out 11 and walking 14 in just 17.1 innings. He has had success as a Major League reliever in the past though.
Grimm is set to meet the team for the annual exhibition Freeway Series against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, so he will likely appear in a game or two to show the big league coaching staff what he is capable of. A 40-man roster move would have to be made for him to make the Opening Day roster.
Even if he doesn’t though, he will provide the Dodgers some depth and likely be up at some point during the 2019 season.
