Dodgers Sign Free Agent Reliever Nate Jones to Minor League Deal
We’re getting into the early goings of wheeling and dealing season! Today, the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly signed free agent relief pitcher Nate Jones to a minor league deal. Alex Freedman, broadcaster for the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers dropped the info on his Twitter account this afternoon.
#Dodgers have signed veteran reliever Nate Jones to a minor league deal and he has joined the @okc_dodgers.
He was with Atlanta earlier this season and has extensive ML experience also with the White Sox and Reds.
— Alex Freedman (@azfreedman) May 14, 2021
The Dodgers have yet to announce the deal on their transactions page.
Jones, 35, is a veteran of 10 big league seasons and had been pitching for the Atlanta Braves earlier in the year. The Braves designated him for assignment on May 7 and he became a free agent soon after.
In 12 games this year, the right-hander posted a 3.48 ERA in 10.1 innings, but has a rather unsightly 8.71 FIP, indicating he’s been the recipient of some good fortune on run prevention. Notably, in those 10.1 IP, Jones has walked 10 while allowing 8 hits and 3 home runs.
Over his career, the Kentucky native has a 3.32 ERA in 317 games. His best season came with the Chicago White Sox back in 2016 where he got into a career-high 71 games and posted a 2.29 ERA in 70.2 IP. The reliever has struggled with injury issues over his career, most recently dealing with a flexor mass tear in his right forearm in 2019.
He’ll join the OKC Dodgers and could be looked at as a potential bullpen piece for the big league Dodgers, if he can get back on track at Triple-A.
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I’d be more impressed if they signed Mariano Rivera.
No kidding, Rainbird. This is who they sign, albeit a minor league deal? Really, in 10.1 innings, 10 walks, 8 hits and 3 HR’s !!! LI can’t say much more but what they possibly can see in this 35 year old is beyond me.
Or Orel Hershiser!