Dodgers Designate Erisbel Arruebarrena For Assignment, Clear Roster Space For Brett Anderson

The Dodgers finally announced the signing of free agent starter Brett Anderson. The club made the one-year deal official this morning. In order to clear roster space, the Dodgers have designated infielder Erisbel Arreubarrena for assignment.

Anderson, the 26-year old right hander agreed to a one-year ten million dollar deal with incentives. The four million dollars in those incentives would kick in if Anderson throws 150 innings, and he would receive the full amount if he reaches the 200 inning mark.

Anderson pitched in just eight games last season for Colorado due to a variety of injuries. Most notably injuries were a fractured finger, and bulging disk in his back. The right hander posted a 2.91 ERA in 43.1 innings pitched, with a 6.0 K/9 rate, and 2.7 BB/9 rate. Anderson has a career 27-32 record with a 3.73 ERA, and 3.53 FIP in six career major league seasons. Anderson pitched five seasons for Oakland before pitching for Colorado last year.

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

As for Arruebarrena his time with the Dodgers may have come to an abrupt end. Although it does not come as a surprising move. I don’t understand why the old front office gave him so much money. Arruebarrena was signed to a five year 25 million dollar deal before the 2014 season.

The problem with the Cuban infielder is that he is a horrendous hitter. While the 24-year old did bat .333 (28 for 84) in the hitter friendly environment of Albuquerque, (he hit just .208 in 25 games and 96 at-bats at the double-A level) he struggled in his brief stint with the big league club. Arruebarrena hit just .195 (8 for 41) with just one extra-base hit in 45 plate appearances with the Dodgers. However he is still a very smooth fielding infielder. In 24 games with the Dodgers he played 21 of them at shortstop, while splitting time between shortstop, second base, and third base in the minor leagues.

It is possible that Arruebarrena could still clear waivers and end up right back at triple-A. Or the Dodgers could work out a trade with another team.