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The Dodgers brought back some old friends today, starting with reliever Brandon Morrow.
Reliever Brandon Morrow and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a minor league deal, sources tell ESPN. Morrow returns to where he starred in 2017 before injuries hampered his two years with the Cubs. Now 36, he’s a flyer for a team with a good rep for rehabbing pitchers.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 11, 2020
Per the report, the deal is for a minor-league contract. Morrow, now 36, returns to Los Angeles where he had arguably his best season of his career in 2017. After his incredible season with LA, Morrow signed a free-agent contract with the Cubs. He was fantastic for them in 2018, but injuries cost him the remainder of the season and his entire year in 2019 and 2020. His last major-league game was July 15, 2018.
This is a low-risk and high-reward type of signing for the Dodgers, as Morrow hasn’t pitched in nearly three years. There’s no guarantee he’ll be able to return to his former self, or if he’ll even be able to stay healthy. However, if Morrow is finally recovered from his injuries and is able to pitch, this could be an absolute steal for LA.
Back in 2017, Morrow appeared in 45 games for the Dodgers. He went 6-0 with a 2.06 ERA. He averaged 10.3 strikeouts per nine innings, his highest since 2010.
Morrow was the most used reliever for the Dodgers during their 2017 postseason run. He appeared in a total of 14 games, posting a 3.95 ERA. He pitched in all seven World Series games.
In more Dodgers news, former pitcher Brock Stewart is also reportedly back with the club. Source? Stewart himself.
Very excited to be back in the @Dodgers organization for the 2021 season! Can’t wait to throw on that uniform again
— Brock Stewart (@Brock_A_Stewart) December 11, 2020
Stewart was drafted in the sixth round of the 2014 MLB Draft by the Dodgers. He’s appeared in 36 games for them in total, starting 11 of them.
The Dodgers have also signed right-handed pitcher Jimmy Nelson, left-handed pitcher James Pazos and infielder Carlos Asuaje to minor-league deals as well.