The Cincinnati Reds announced the signing of former Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Louis Coleman to a Minor League contract. His deal includes a non-roster invitation to Spring Training. Cincinnati previously inked fellow right-handed reliever Drew Storen to a one-year, $3 million contract.
Coleman was non-tendered by the Dodgers in December and became a free agent. He signed a one-year contract with the team last February, and proceeded to make the roster after a strong showing in camp by beating out Luis Avilan for the final spot in the bullpen.
Coleman wasn’t far removed from success with the Kansas City Royals, though essentially spent the entire 2015 season pitching for Triple-A Omaha. Aside from solid showings in Cactus League play, Coleman was aided by the fact that he, unlike Avilan, was out of Minor League options.
The right-hander remained with the club throughout the year, outside of a stay on the bereavement list and one-month stay on the disabled list that began in August.
Coleman made 50 appearances before being placed on the DL on Aug. 3 with right shoulder fatigue, going 2-1 with a 3.70 ERA, 3.35 FIP, 1.33 WHIP, 37 walks and 16 strikeouts in 41.1 innings up to that point.
Upon returning in September, he allowed eight runs on six hits, three of which were home runs, in just 6.2 innings pitched over 11 games. Coleman finished the season with a 4.69 ERA, 4.31 FIP, 1.44 WHIP, and was left off the Dodgers’ postseason rosters.
Los Angeles has a bevy of right-handed relievers on their roster, including Pedro Baez, Chris Hatcher and Josh Ravin. Additionally, the team presumably will avoid arbitration with Josh Fields, and may also re-sign Joe Blanton.
