Yardbarker
x
 Luis García Signed To Minor League Contract
Aug 11, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Luis Garcia (40) pitches against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports Aug 11, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Luis Garcia (40) pitches against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen was among the areas of the roster that received an infusion of talent during the offseason, but the group faces some questions early into Spring Training.

Evan Phillips (tear in right rotator cuff) and Michael Kopech (right forearm inflammation) are both behind schedule and candidates to begin the season on the injured list. That will be the case for Brusdar Graterol, who underwent right shoulder surgery during the offseason and is likely to miss at least the first half of 2025.

Whether as added insurance or merely organizational depth, the Dodgers signed Luis García to a Minor League contract with a non-roster invite to Spring Training, according to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball:

García joins the Dodgers after spending the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox. He signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract with the Angels in December 2023 and was traded to the Red Sox last July in exchange for Matthew Lugo, Yeferson Vargas, Niko Kavadas and Ryan Zeferjahn.

García earned his way into a setup role with the Angels behind a 3.71 ERA, 3.69 FIP and 1.17 WHIP across 45 appearances.

However, the right-hander struggled with the Red Sox to the tune of an 8.22 ERA and 1.63 WHIP in 15 games. Included in his time with Boston was a stint on the 15-day injured list because of right elbow inflammation.

García closed out the regular season by allowing just one run over four innings pitched in four games upon returning from the elbow injury.

Luis García’s potential role with Dodgers

There isn’t much flexibility in the Dodgers bullpen due to Alex Vesia being the lone regular with a Minor League option remaining. That wouldn’t figure to bode well for García, but he’s a valuable candidate to have in the organization should the Dodgers face a need because of injuries.

García otherwise figures to begin the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City.

This article first appeared on Dodger Blue and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!