The Los Angeles Dodgers finalized their one-year contract with Sergio Romo on Wednesday, which also marked the start of Spring Training as pitchers and catchers were due at Camelback Ranch.
While Clayton Kershaw, Brandon McCarthy and some others used the first day to begin throwing, the first official workout for players in camp was Thursday. That called for the relatively mundane bullpen sessions and pitchers’ fielding practice.
Though, in Romo’s case there was added intrigue as he’s in his first season with the Dodgers after spending the past nine with the rival San Francisco Giants.
A portion of Romo’s first bullpen session of Spring Training was captured by ESPN’s Doug Padilla:
Romo’s one-year contract with the Dodgers is worth a reported $3 million and includes $250,000 in incentives. He can earn a $125,000 bonus by appearing in 50 games, and another $125,000 by reaching 60 games.
The Brawley, Calif., native appeared in at least 50 games in six of nine seasons with the Giants. Included in that was a stretch from 2010-15 where Romo made a minimum of 64 appearances. He set a career high with 70 games pitched in 2015.
However, the right-hander only appeared in 40 games last season and threw a career-worst 30.2 innings, because of significant time missed during the first half due to a right flexor strain near his elbow.
Romo, who will turn 34 years old in March, finished the season with four saves, a 2.64 ERA, 3.80 FIP and 1.08 WHIP.
