When the Los Angeles Dodgers announced their initial 51-player pool last week, they left some room for potential additions prior to the 2020 regular season beginning July 23.
The club could have invited as many as 60 players to the start of Summer Camp at Dodger Stadium, but presumably wanted to save some spots for 2020 MLB Draft picks after they sign.
It is also conceivable that L.A. may look to add players from outside of the organization for depth purposes. That came to fruition on Thursday when the Dodgers reportedly signed former All-Star reliever AJ Ramos to a Minor League contract.
The 33-year-old has some great seasons under his belt, but missed all of last year while recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum. Looking to return to form, Ramos shared a video of himself throwing off a mound with a message indicating he is determined to bounce back:
Loading… #comebackszn pic.twitter.com/7PW7Rk8eE9
— Aj Ramos (@theajramos) July 2, 2020
With Ramos being added to the Dodgers’ player pool, it is expected that he will participate in the team’s first official workout on Friday.
The right-hander last pitched for the New York Mets in 2018, going 2-2 with a 6.41 ERA, 5.19 FIP and 1.63 WHP over 19.2 innings pitched (28 appearances). He was acquired from the Miami Marlins the year before in a midseason trade.
It was with the Marlins that Ramos enjoyed his most success. Over parts of six seasons, he posted a 2.78 ERA, 3.24 FIP and 1.23 WHIP with 99 saves in 325 games.
Ramos was an All-Star in 2016, accumulating a 2.81 ERA and notching the only 40-save campaign of his career. If he is able to recapture even some of that success, he would provide the Dodgers with yet another electric arm out of the bullpen.
Ramos is one of many new faces that could potentially contribute to the group this year, joining Brusdar Graterol, Jimmy Nelson and Blake Treinen — each of whom joined the organization over the offseason.
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