Editorials

Dodgers And Juan Nicasio Avoid Arbitration, Agree To One-Year Deal

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

After signing A.J. Ellis to a one-year contract, the Los Angeles Dodgers had four players — Chris Heisey, Kenley Jansen, Juan Nicasio and Justin Turner — file for arbitration on Tuesday. Since that point, the Dodgers avoided arbitration with Heisey and the list grew to included Nicasio.

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, Nicasio and the Dodgers agreed on a $2.3 million salary for 2015:

As a starter and reliever for the Colorado Rockies last season, Nicasio earned $2.025 million and went 6-6 with a 5.38 ERA. As a reliever with the Rockies in 2014, Nicasio held batters to a slash of .227/.275/.400 with a 5.92 ERA, which is superior to his marks as a starter when opponents hit .305/.361/.546 and a 3.48 ERA.

Somewhat surprisingly, the right-hander fared slightly better at Coors Field last season as he opponents hit .282/.326/.541, whereas his marks on the road were .300/.369/.480. Nicasio also made 10 appearances (four starts) with the Rockies’ Triple-A affiliate in 2014 and posted a 3-2 record with a 4.54 ERA.

In trading for Nicasio, the Dodgers added a pitcher that provides flexibility given his ability to start or be used out of the bullpen. The Dodgers ran into an uphill battle last season as injuries affected the backend of the rotation and Paul Maholm suffered a season-ending injury.

This year marked Nicasio’s first as an arbitration-eligible player. Not long after news of Nicasio and the Dodgers agreeing to terms, it was reported Jansen and Turner did as well, ensuring the Dodgers wouldn’t have any arbitration hearings for an eighth straight year.

Staff Writer

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