Dodgers expressing interest in bringing back former Red Sox reliever
The Dodgers are expressing an interest in a re-union with former Red Sox reliever Ryan Brasier.
The righty joined Los Angeles on a minor league deal last June after being released by Boston.
“They’ve kept tabs on reliever Ryan Brasier’s market so far this winter, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Brasier allowed just six runs (three earned) in 38 2/3 innings after the Dodgers signed him midseason,” reported Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
While with the Dodgers, Brasier posted a 0.70 ERA and a 0.72 WHIP over 39 games. The veteran right-hander struck out 38 batters in 38 2/3 innings of work.
Brasier turned around his 2023 season following his release by the Red Sox. Once he got to Los Angeles, they had him use a cutter and he saw success right away.
“I mean, there’s no way you could have said, ‘If he starts throwing a cutter, he’s going to start pitching really good,’” Brasier said to The Athletic following signing with the Dodgers. “You can look. I’m not walking as many guys as I was early on (this season). I’m throwing my slider more for strikes. Now, obviously having the cutter helps; having another pitch to get guys off certain other pitches. But (while) working on the cutter, some other stuff started to come back.”
Brasier will turn 37 next season, he figures to earn a decent raise in free agency. Los Angeles has already made a few key moves to bolster its bullpen, including exercising Blake Treinen’s $1 million team option for 2024 and re-signing Joe Kelly to a one-year contract.
The Dodgers bullpen is set to include Yency Almonte, Caleb Ferguson, J.P. Feyereisen, Brusdar Graterol, Michael Grove, Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia.
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