Dodgers 2014 profile: Jose Dominguez, velocity matters

Jose Dominguez pitched in both Chattanooga and Albuquerque in 2013. He helped fill a role in the majors when the Dodgers bullpen had reached somewhat of a crisis point last June, when Brandon League was moved out his closer spot and the pen had too many guys that pitched to contact.

Then as the Dodgers started what would become their historic run, they sought to add some heat to the pen, as manager Don Mattingly wanted some guys who could get some outs as guys might swing and miss at their mistakes.

Dominguez, who pitched exclusively out of the pen in 2013, certainly qualified. He pitched in 22 games, striking out 40 in 25⅓ innings with a a strikeout-to-walk ratio in the minors of 3.1. He allowed only nine hits in the minors last year.

But a left quad strain in July sidelined Dominguez after just three weeks. Several setbacks during rehab prevented his return, but he figures to play a role at some point back in the major league bullpen in 2014.

Trivia

Jose Dominguez threw 20 100 MPH+ four-seam fastballs in 2013.

Contract status

Dominguez has three options as he was added to the active roster and then was placed on the disabled list for the remainder of last season. He has 93 days of service time.

Stats

2014 outlook

I'll guess a 3.25 ERA for Dominguez, with 25 strikeouts in 23 innings. What's your guess?