Dodgers News: Team Inks RHP Jamey Wright
41-year old right-handed relief pitcher Jamey Wright was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers to a minor league contract today. He’s going to be nothing more than a long-shot to actually make the team, but he’s depth for the squad during Spring Training as they see what they have on the roster.
The Oklahoma City native spent time in Los Angeles with the Dodgers back in 2012 and 2014, but missed all of last season after being cut by the Texas Rangers in March. Wright has pitched in 719 games in his career, starting 248 of them. But he’s more of a reliever now, and that’s how he’ll be used.
ICYMI: Dodgers Rumors: Would Team Just Cut Crawford?
From the Associated Press, via Yahoo! Sports:
Wright pitched for the Dodgers in 2012 and again in 2014, mostly in a relief role although he started one game in his second season. Between those two stints he pitched for Tampa Bay, where current Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman worked.
There lies the connection between the team and Wright — Andrew Friedman. In his two years in Los Angeles, Wright racked up a 4.04 ERA in 138.0 innings while striking out 108 batters and walking 57. He finished with a 3.43 FIP and 1.46 WHIP during that time while appearing in 127 games.
For his career, Wright has a 4.81 ERA in 2036.2 innings while striking out 1189 and walking 978. His career can be seen as pretty much disastrous at times, but he’s made it this far. He’ll now be entering his 20th professional season. It was a career that started back in 1996 with the Colorado Rockies.
If you’re expecting much out of Wright, don’t:
Led by closer Kenley Jansen, the Dodgers’ relief corps is crowded with younger talent, making Wright a long-shot to earn a spot.
Wright is pretty much just here to be a warm camp body. Nothing more. It wouldn’t even be surprising to see Wright take on a role with the team that extends beyond the playing field. Or, even then, just as a minor league body if needed. This is a much-ado-about-nothing signing, but a signing nonetheless.
Clayton Kershaw and Wright are good friends, and that’s pretty much why Wright is here now. He still wants to compete and make the team but, as noted, it is a pretty substantial long-shot for him.