Dodgers News: In Free Agency, Dodgers Contacted Rafael Betancourt

It’s no secret the Los Angeles Dodgers plan this off-season was to revamp the bullpen. Early on, they non-tendered reliever Ronald Belisario and while it seemed difficult at times, they re-signed J.P. Howell and Brian Wilson.

The additions didn’t stop there as Jamey Wright and Chris Perez were both signed to pitch middle and long relief. However, it sounds like the Dodgers reached out to Colorado Rockies free agent Rafael Betancourt according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post:

The Los Angeles Dodgers contacted him as a free agent, but he’s committed to returning with Colorado.

If I pitch again, it will be with the Rockies. I can’t see myself anywhere else at this point in my career. I have really enjoyed five years there, Betancourt said.

The 38-year-old reliever is recovering from Tommy John surgery after pitching in 32 games last season, going 2-5 with a 4.08 ERA while recording 16 saves. In his career with the Rockies, Betancourt was more of a set-up man than closer, but did rack up 31 saves during the 2012 season and his experience as a closer is likely why the Dodgers had initial interest.

It’s unknown at this point whether or not he’ll be pitching in the big leagues, but it sounds like the Dodgers had backup plans lined up if Wilson or Howell decided to pitch elsewhere.

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