Dodgers Reportedly Ink Ex-Red Sox Hurler; Could Be Intriguing Option To Bolster Bullpen

One former Red Sox pitcher may take the field for Los Angeles in 2023

The Los Angeles Dodgers were busy Tuesday. 

Los Angeles reportedly signed former Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Matt Andriese to a minor league contract, according to the MiLB Transaction log. 

#Dodgers have signed RHP Matt Andriese to a minor league contract.

— MiLB-Transactions (@tombaseball29) January 31, 2023

Andriese has been a journeyman throughout his seven-year Major League Baseball career but took the field with the Boston Red Sox in 2021. The right-handed hurler struggled in 26 appearances while compiling a 6.03 ERA. Andriese struck out 38 batters across 37 1/3 innings pitched before being released.

The 33-year-old rebounded in eight appearances with the Seattle Mariners after being picked up with a 2.45 ERA and 12 strikeouts across 11 innings pitched. 

While Andriese may not have had the most successful stint in Boston on the field, Red Sox Nation certainly should be thankful for him. Andriese worked with young hurler Garrett Whitlock and helped him develop his changeup which has blossomed into one of, if not his most devastating pitches. 

Andriese took the field with the Yomiuri Giants of the Nippon Professional Baseball league in 2022 and shined. The 33-year-old finished the season with a 5-2 record and compiled a 2.86 ERA across 63 innings pitched. 

The former Red Sox hurler may not completely change the Dodgers' bullpen, but he could be an interesting option. If he's able to make the club and carry over his play from Japan, he could make an impact. Andriese has a career ERA of 4.63 in seven MLB season so he more likely than not wouldn't be a game-changer, but there's no way to know for sure. 

More MLB: Shohei Ohtani To Red Sox? Why Boston Does (And Doesn't) Make Sense For Two-Way Star