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DoLOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers on Tuesday confirmed the signings of a pair of 2014 draft picks, most notably their 11th-round selection, right-handed pitcher A.J. Vanegas out of Stanford.
In addition, the Dodgers signed 28th-round outfielder Billy Beresniewicz out of Binghamton, which happened days ago since Bereszniewicz has already played three games for the rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers, going 2-for-7 with a double and a walk through Monday night with one stolen base in two attempts.
The Dodgers have signed 30 of their 40 draft picks, including each of the top 11. The team officially confirmed 28 signings, waiting to finalize eighth-round catcher Hunter Redman, who agreed to terms on Sunday, and 25th-round outfielder Matt Jones, the Hutchinson Community College (Kansas) hit by pitch specialist (40 in 241 plate appearances in 2014).
Happy to say I'll be signing with the Dodgers organization this week, I'm still chasing that dream #blessed
— Matt Jones (@who_mattjones_) June 23, 2014
Vanegas had an injury-plagued time at Stanford, but rebounded as a closer during his senior campaign, saving seven games with a 2.33 ERA in 18 games, with 28 strikeouts and 14 walks in 38⅔ innings.
The MLB.com scouting report of Vanegas read, "If Vanegas' injury concerns are behind him, he could be a quick-to-MLB short reliever, something always in high demand, especially in the form of a senior sign."
Vanegas, who turns 22 in August, received a $100,000 bonus per Jim Callis of MLB.com, the maximum allowable without any overage counting toward the team's draft bonus pool.
Vanegas will start with rookie-level Ogden in the Pioneer League.
Free agent Hayward signs
The Dodgers also signed undrafted free agent right-handed pitcher Vaughn Hayward out of Bryant University. The 23-year-old redshirt senior was 9-2 with a save and a 2.41 ERA in 15 games in 2014, including 13 starts, with 47 strikeouts and 23 walks in 71 innings. The Rhode Island native began his collegiate career at Holy Cross, before transferring to Bryant after two years.
He negotiated his own contract with the Dodgers, per Brendan McGair of the Pawtucket Times.
"I’m getting paid to play baseball. That’s awesome and the best thing I could ever ask for," Hayward told Mcgair. "I’ve never been to Arizona, but I like it so far. It’s hot, but it’s good for pitching. Better than freezing in the Northeast."
The 6,2, 195-pound Hayward will start with the rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers.