MLB free agency is sure to pick up in the coming weeks and at the 2016 Winter Meetings, and the Los Angeles Dodgers figure to be in the thick of multiple conversations. But beyond key roster decisions that are needed, the Dodgers also have a slew of Minor League free agents.
Among them are Will Venable and other key players who made notable contributions for Triple-A Oklahoma City. They clinched a second consecutive Pacific Coast League American Northern Division title and reached the championship.
In a move that presumably will impact the OKC roster for the 2017 season, the Dodgers signed left-handed relief pitcher Patrick Schuster to a Minor League contract, per Matt Eddy of Baseball America:
#Dodgers sign matchup LH reliever Patrick Schuster to minor league deal. Held LHB to .171 AVG with 31 SO% at four stops in 2016.
— Matt Eddy (@MattEddyBA) November 12, 2016
Schuster made his MLB debut in July with the Oakland Athletics. He appeared in five games and allowed eight runs on nine hits with six strikeouts in 6.2 innings. Schuster owned a 4.05 FIP and 2.25 WHIP with Oakland.
The 26-year-old was designated for assignment and claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Phillies, who optioned Schuster to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He allowed just one run in six innings over six games, and joined the Phillies in September.
However, that only amounted to more struggles for the left-hander. Schuster managed to pitch just two-plus innings in six games and allowed 11 runs (10 earned) during that span.
