Jamey Wright Signs Minor League Deal With Texas Rangers
After enduring a season with a group of relievers that were far from consistent, the Los Angeles Dodgers made a concerted effort to upgrade the bullpen this offseason.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman traded for familiar names Joel Peralta and Adam Liberatore, and is high on Chris Hatcher, whom the Dodgers acquired in the seven-player trade with the Miami Marlins. Additionally, Mike Bolsinger and Juan Nicasio were added in November trades two days apart.
With the new additions, multiple relievers from the 2014 team have either been traded, released, or not re-signed. The latest relief pitcher who will not don a Dodgers uniform this season is Jamey Wright, as John Blake of the Texas Rangers reports the 40 year old rejoined the Texas organization on a Minor League contract:
Rangers have signed RHP Jamey Wright to a minor league contract with a spring training invite. He pitched in 61 G with Dodgers in 2014.
— John Blake (@RangerBlake) February 14, 2015
Wright earned $1.8 million in a one-year, Major-League contract with the Dodgers last season and according to Anthony Andro of FoxSportsSouthwest.com, he’ll earn $1 million by making the Rangers roster:
Wright could make $1 million if he makes Rangers.
— Anthony Andro (@aandro) February 14, 2015
Wright went 5-4 last season with one save and a 4.35 ERA in 61 games, including one start; he tallied 54 strikeouts and 27 walks in 70.1 innings pitched. has made at least 60 appearances in 4 straight
Along with the comfort that may come with joining the Rangers once more, Wright will be in the all-to-familiar scenario of needing to make the Major League roster after signing a Minor-League contract — a position he’s now been in nine of the last 10 seasons.
Friedman recently stated he’s looking for a balanced bullpen that has the capability to keep the number of walks to a minimum, and general manager Farhan Zaidi gave his vote of confidence to the current group of relievers.
Wright joins Chad Billingsley, Scott Elbert, Roberto Hernandez, Paul Maholm and Chris Perez as former Dodger pitchers who have signed Minor-League deals with other teams heading into the 2015 season. Brian Wilson is another reliever no longer on the Dodgers’ roster as he was released in mid-December, three days after being designated for assignment.
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