Sam LeCure signs minor league contract with Dodgers, begins in Triple-A

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers added to their pitching depth on Wednesday, signing veteran relief pitcher Sam LeCure to a minor league contract. He opened the season on the roster of Triple-A Oklahoma City.

LeCure, who turns 32 in May, put up a 3.15 ERA in 19 games for the Reds in 2015, with 15 strikeouts and seven walks in 20 innings. He has a 3.51 ERA and 3.75 FIP in 250 career relief appearances in six major league seasons, all with the Reds, with 300 strikeouts (a 22.3-percent rate) in 320⅔ innings.

LeCure spent the first 4½ months of 2015 in the minors, putting up a 5.25 ERA in 41 games for Triple-A Louisville, with 44 strikeouts and 24 walks in 60 innings.

The right-hander signed a minor league deal with the Diamondbacks in January, but was released at the end of March when he didn't make the club in spring training.

LeCure is the second veteran reliever with major league experience signed by the Dodgers this week. Dale Thayer, a seven-year vet with 264 relief appearances on his ledger, also inked a minor league deal and began the season with Double-A Tulsa.