Dodgers nearing decision on David Aardsma

The Dodgers have a few days to make a decision on relief pitcher David Aardsma, who reportedly has an extension on his June 1 opt-out clause to become a free agent if not added to the active roster, per a report from Jacob Unruh of The Oklahoman on Monday:

Now, he’s either a few days away from Los Angeles or free agency depending on the outcome of his opt-out clause that leaves the Dodgers a 72-hour window to promote him. Either way, he feels he’s primed for a comeback.

"The biggest challenge is to get an opportunity," Aardsma said. "That’s all you can do. I felt like I did that in spring training where I really put myself in the right spot to where I can be successful here. Then it’s finding the right organization at the right time that will give you that opportunity.

The Dodgers have not commented on the report.

If the Dodgers decide to add Aardsma to the active roster, they would also need to make a corresponding move to make room on the 40-man roster.

Aardsma, signed to a minor league contract on Feb. 19, had a 2.55 ERA in 19 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City, with 21 strikeouts and seven walks in 17⅔ innings, and a Pacific Coast League-leading 15 saves.

Opposing batters this season have hit .185/.264/.231 against Aardsma, with no home runs. Unruh also reported that Aardsma has averaged between 91-93 mph on his fastball with Oklahoma City this season, an increase over 2014.

At his peak when he was saving 69 games with a 143 ERA+ in 2009-2010 with the Mariners, Aardsma averaged 94.68 mph on his four-seam fastball, per Brooks Baseball.

Aardsma last pitched on Thursday, his sixth consecutive scoreless appearance. He remains on the active roster for OKC, though he didn't pitch on Monday night in a 14-1 loss that saw Oklahoma City use two position players as pitchers.