Dodgers News: Outfielder Roger Bernadina Elects Free Agency
One of those players was outfielder Roger Bernadina, who was signed in July and spent most of the season in Triple-A. The speedy outfielder joined the Dodgers in September as an extra outfielder off the bench.
On Tuesday, the Dodgers announced the Bernadina will no longer be with the team and has elected to become a free agent:
Outfielder Roger Bernadina has elected to become a free agent and has been removed from the Dodger roster.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 14, 2014
The team attempted to outright Bernadina to the minor leagues, but with his major league service team, he was able to block the move and become a free agent. There is no room for Bernadina on the roster, especially with the outfield already crowded.
With the Dodgers, Bernadina participated in nine games and hit .286 with a home run and four RBIs. He didn’t start any of the games and his biggest contribution came as a pinch-runner in which he used his speed to beat out a force play and eventually scored a run.
Bernadina started the season with the Cincinnati Reds before being cut in June. The 30-year-old has spent seven seasons with four teams. He had his best years with the Washington Nationals. Bernadina is a plus-defender with speed that has shown pop in short spurts. He will have to find a new team for 2015.
