Jonathan Sanchez signs with Dodgers off scrap heap

The Dodgers have reportedly signed left-handed pitcher Jonathan Sanchez to a minor league contract per multiple reports. Pedro Gomez of ESPN was the first to report the deal, and Mark Saxon of ESPN noted that Sanchez has an opt-out date of July 1 if he isn't added to the Dodgers' roster.

On the surface, this seems like a lottery ticket move by the Dodgers, looking to recapture some of the magic of the pitcher who threw a no-hitter and struck out over a batter per inning in six years with the Giants. Sanchez has been an absolute mess the past two seasons, as he is 0-12 in his last 18 starts with a 9.13 ERA, 58 walks, and 52 strikeouts in 71 innings. Sanchez was 0-3 with an 11.85 ERA in five appearances with the Pirates this season before his release on May 8.

With Josh Beckett likely to hit the disabled list, the Dodgers' rotation is thin as it is, even with the potential return of Ted Lilly and/or Stephen Fife in the coming weeks. The last five starters for Triple-A Albuquerque were Blake Johnson, Aaron Laffey, Anthony Ortega, Matt Palmer, and Angel Castro. Simply put, a little depth never hurt anyone.

If the Dodgers can find and fix some mechanical flaw in the delivery of Sanchez, 30, then they might have something worthwhile on their hands. If they can't, then no harm done.