The Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday signed the veteran starter to fill an open slot in their rotation, finalizing their two-year contract with left-hander Chris Capuano. The contract is worth $10 million guaranteed, and includes a mutual option for 2014.
Carpenter was 11-12 with a 4.55 ERA in 2011 for the New York Mets, pitching 186 innings in 33 games, including 31 starts. It was his first full season since 2007, as he has missed significant time with various injuries. He had surgery to repair a torn labrum in October 2007, then Tommy John surgery, his second, on his left elbow in May 2008, missing nearly two and a half seasons at the major league level.
"Chris is an established Major League starting pitcher who adds to our staff," said Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti in a statement. "He made more than 30 starts last season was a reliable part of the Mets rotation."
The 33-year old Capuano will earn $3 million in 2012 and $6 million in 2013, per Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. Capuano has an $8 million mutual option for 2014, which if not exercised will pay him a $1 million buyout. In addition, Capuano can earn up to $1 million in performance bonuses based on innings pitched.
What this means for the Dodgers is that they can likely no longer afford Hiroki Kuroda, who has been deciding on whether or not to return to Japan to play for his old team, the Hiroshima Carp. The Dodgers' payroll for 2012 is estimated at $110 million, and they are likely to add a few more ancillary parts like a veteran middle infielder and possibly a veteran relief pitcher.
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