The Los Angeles Dodgers added to their spring training pitching staff on Tuesday, signing Jamey Wright to a minor league deal with an invitation to big league camp at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona. The 37-year old right-hander has an out clause in his contract in late March, per Tony Jackson of ESPN LA, meaning if Wright isn't added to the active roster by a specified date he has the right to become a free agent and pursue other opportunities.
Wright was 2-3 with a 3.16 ERA in 60 games in relief in 2011 for the Seattle Mariners, his sixth team in the last seven years. Wright has pitched exclusively in relief during the last four seasons, as his last major league start came on August 25, 2007 while with the Texas Rangers.
The odds of Wright making the opening day roster for the Dodgers are long, as the club has essentially six of the seven spots in the bullpen locked up: closer Javy Guerra, strikeout artist Kenley Jansen, southpaw Scott Elbert, and veterans Matt Guerrier, Mike MacDougal, and Todd Coffey.
The signing of Wright puts the total number of bodies scheduled to begin in big league camp for the Dodgers at 61, including relief pitcher Ronald Belisario, who is currently on the restricted list but has already reported to Arizona. Belisario will have to serve a 25-game suspension for violating MLB's drug policy before he can pitch again in the majors.
For more news on the Los Angeles Dodgers, be sure to read True Blue LA.