The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Casey Crosby out of the Independent League, presumably to a Minor League deal, though the team has not announced details. News of Crosby’s signing came via his representation, Octagon Baseball.
The 31-year-old was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the fifth round of the 2007 MLB Draft, and made his MLB debut five years later. That marked Crosby’s only time in the Majors, and it was limited to just three starts.
He went 1-1 and allowed 13 runs on 15 hits, including two home runs, in just 12.1 innings pitched (9.49 ERA). Crosby additionally sported a 2.11 WHIP and averaged eight walks per nine innings.
The Tigers released Crosby in August 2014 and he went on to sign a Minor League contract with the Boston Red Sox in December of that year. However, the southpaw never pitched for the organization and didn’t return to baseball until 2017.
Congrats to Casey Crosby on signing with the #Dodgers! https://t.co/KUuBkdxTU4
— Octagon Baseball (@OctagonBaseball) December 5, 2019
He did so with the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association (independent league) in 2017, and parlayed that into a Minor League deal with the Minnesota Twins in February 2018. Crosby pitched for their Rookie level, Double-A and Triple-A affiliates, going a combined 1-2 with a 3.95 ERA and 25 strikeouts over 21.1 innings pitched across 17 games (four starts).
This year saw Crosby return to independent baseball as he pitched for teams in the American Association and Atlantic League. Crosby went 3-1 with 1.99 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 42 games.
He presumably will serve as organizational depth for the Dodgers with an outside chance at receiving an opportunity with the Major League club.
The Dodgers of course have previously seen a pitcher use the independent league to revive a career as Rich Hill accomplished as much. His return to the Majors began with the Red Sox and continued with the Oakland Athletics before being traded to the Dodgers.
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