Former Angels Draft Pick Signs Contract with LA Dodgers

Ryan Brasier, who has spent most of his career with the Red Sox, will give the Dodgers bullpen depth in the minor leagues.

The Dodgers signed former Boston relief pitcher Ryan Brasier to a minor-league deal Monday after the Red Sox released the right-hander in late May.

A sixth round pick in 2007, Brasier only pitched 9 innings for the Angels in 2013 before spending much of his early career playing in Japan. In 2018, the Red Sox signed Brasier en route to their World Series victory over the Dodgers. Brasier pitched an inning in Boston's Game 3 loss in Dodger Stadium in a matchup that took 18 innings to complete. 

The relief pitcher's 2022 campaign left something to be desired for the Red Sox. Brasier sported a 5.78 ERA with 3 losses across 62.1 innings. This season, Brasier is allowing a .286 batting average and holds a 7.29 ERA.

Ryan Brasier, welcome to the club!https://t.co/vvhHWbIaHs pic.twitter.com/DzRustsXm0

— Adam Bradford (@Adam_Bradford14) June 5, 2023

"Ryan Brasier, welcome to the club!

(Via @Adam_Bradford14 on Twitter)

The Dodger bullpen has struggled at times this season, posting an MLB fifth-worst 4.64 ERA. Adding a veteran with experience in the bright lights of a big-market makes sense for Los Angeles, especially because Brasier will remain on the Red Sox payroll unless the Dodgers call him up.

On Sunday night against the Yankees, the Dodgers' top three relievers allowed all four runs in their 4-1 loss.

“If you would have asked me a few days ago,” manager Dave Roberts said in response to a question about the overall performance of his bullpen, “I would have said fantastic.”

(Via the

Los Angeles Times

)

Will the signing of Brasier make or break the Dodgers' quest to move past their bullpen woes? Probably not. But adding veteran experience — particularly at such a low cost — likely won't hurt.