Dodgers Claim Brooks Brown, Designate Johnson

The Dodgers announced that they have claimed reliever Brooks Brown from the Rockies. In a corresponding move, fellow

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reliever Jim Johnson, has been designated for assignment by the club. This officially ends Johnson’s tenure with the Dodgers as he will be a free agent at seasons end. In 18.2 innings with the Dodgers, Johnson posted a 10.13 ERA. The former all-star closer for the A’s and Orioles will likely look to rebuild some value on a shorter deal next year.

In Brooks, the Dodgers are receiving a 30 year old right-hander who has appeared in parts of the last two seasons with the Rockies. The former first round pick has had mixed results, posting a 2.77 ERA in 2014 and a 4.91 ERA in 2015. Brown frequently works in the mid to high 90’s and compliments it with a slider and change-up. Brown generates plenty of ground balls (53.8%) and struck out 10.25 per 9 innings in 2015. If Brown can cut down on his walks (4.36/9IP in 2015) Brown could potentially become a useful arm in a bullpen in need of help next year.

This acquisition follows the new front office’s trend of under the radar, cost-friendly moves. Friedman and Zaidi have frequently shown that they are unwilling to burn big money or big prospects to acquire big names, instead choosing the more sustainable route. Unless Zack Greinke opts out of his contract at the end of the year, expect such a pattern to continue into the off-season, as management continues its work to create a perennial winner

Expect to see plenty more of these low risk-high reward type moves in the months to come.