Dodgers News: David Aardsma Signs Minor-League Contract

UPDATE (Feb. 19, 9:10 a.m. PT): The Los Angeles Dodgers officially announced the signing of Brett Aardsma on Thursday, the report date for pitchers and catchers:

Today, the Dodgers signed right-handed reliever David Aardsma to a minor league contract with an invite to big league camp.

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— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 19, 2015

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With pitchers and catchers set to report for Spring Training on Feb. 19, the Los Angeles Dodgers have continued to add to their organization in recent days.

On the heels of signing reliever Ramon Troncoso, who debuted with the Dodgers in 2008, to a Minor-League contract with an invitation to Spring Training, comes news of an identical signing for David Aardsma. The right-hander broke the news himself on Sunday via his Twitter account:

Excited to be with the @Dodgers this season. Should be a great year! #keepworking Thank you @TopVelocity for believing in me

— David Aardsma (@TheDA53) February 15, 2015

Aardsma joins the Dodgers after spending the 2014 season with the St. Louis Cardinals, though he never advanced past Triple-A Memphis. In 33 games, he had 36 strikeouts and 17 walks in 35.0 innings to with a 1.29 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 11 saves. Aardsma signed with the Cardinals after being released by the Cleveland Indians at his request.

The season prior to signing a Minor-League contract with the Cardinals, Aardsma was part of the Miami Marlins and New York Mets organizations. He appeared in a combined 18 Minor-League games during his time with both franchises and reached the Majors with the Mets.

Appearing in 43 games from June-September, Aardsma pitched 39.2 innings, had 36 strikeouts, 19 walks, and a 4.31 ERA and 83 ERA+. In 2009 with the Seattle Mariners Aardsma set career-bests in games (73), ERA (2.52), ERA+ (169), innings pitched (71.1) and strikeouts (80). After making a minimum of 47 appearances from 2008-2010, hip and Tommy Johns surgeries have negatively impacted his career trajectory.

Including Aardsma, the Dodgers will have 19 non-roster invitees on hand for Spring Training. He’s likely a long shot to make the Major League roster, which may lead to him eventually asking the Dodgers for his release as he did with the Indians.

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