The Los Angeles Dodgers added another new face to their bullpen this past weekend by signing Shane Greene for the remainder of the season. The veteran joined L.A. after being designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves and becoming a free agent upon clearing waivers.
The Dodgers previously were connected to Greene at the 2019 MLB trade deadline, when the Detroit Tigers ultimately ended up sending him to the Braves. Now he’s the latest former All-Star to join their relief corps for the home stretch.
“This clubhouse has got a lot of big names in it, but very humble players. I feel like part of the family right away,” Greene said. “It’s been really easy really fast. I’m looking forward to trying to win a World Series.”
The right-hander was on the verge of at least reaching the Fall Classic last year when the Braves took a commanding 3-1 lead on the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. Atlanta wound up losing three in a row, so his signing with L.A. brings some irony.
“I guess it’s not that weird, but I told Doc, ‘You guys stole a World Series from me last year, so I’m looking forward to winning one with you this year,'” Greene joked.
He is looking to rebound from a subpar showing with the Braves, pitching to an 8.47 ERA, 6.77 FIP and 1.82 WHIP in 19 games. There’s some belief Greene’s struggles are related to not being with a team during Spring Training.
Despite successful campaigns in 2019 and 2020, Greene remained a free agent until re-signing with the Braves on a one-year deal this past May. He reported to Triple-A Gwinnett to build up arm strength before joining the Braves’ active roster in June.
“Really, it’s just about getting out there. I kind of have a built-in excuse because of no Spring Training, but I just want to compete,” Greene said. “I’ve been doing this for long enough. Just get out there, put someone in the box, give me the ball and let me compete.”
Greene embracing Dodgers’ process
The Dodgers have developed a reputation for being a thorough organization when it comes to scouting and preparation, which leads to a significant amount if information provided to their players.
“They’ve been good for a reason,” Greene said. “I think after the conversations that I had, there’s a lot of information, but they can simplify it for what I need or what I want. So it’s actually more simple than it sounds.
“They gather all the information for me, make it simple and chop it up for me, so it’s easy. Like I said, I’m just excited to be here and looking forward to being a part of this.”
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