Dodgers Sign Veteran Catcher Jesus Flores and Aussie Reliever Peter Moylan

The Dodgers added two more minor league additions by signing catcher Jesus Flores and relief pitcher Peter Moylan. Flores, a  28-year old catcher, seems to be the backstop who would essentially be third in line behind starter A.J. Ellis and backup Tim Federowicz. There’s been concern by some that FedEx has yet to show that he can hit at the Major League level, and if he should struggle it could trigger the Dodgers to have him return to the AAA level where he could play every day instead of being the backup behind A.J. Ellis.

Jesus Flores may challenge Tim Federowicz for the backup catcher spot. Photo: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Flores has underwent two shoulder operations, and he missed the 2010 season. He was originally signed as an amateur free agent in 2002 by the New York Mets. He was then selected by the Washington Nationals in the 2006 Rule 5 Draft. Flores has been with Washington since 2007, and has a career batting average of .241. Last season with the Nats, he had a dismal line of .213/.248/.329 with 6 homeruns and 26 RBI in 83 games. Flores has also been invited to Major League Spring Training camp along with the other recent non-roster catchers that the Dodgers have signed: Eliezer Alfonzo, Wilkin Castillo, and Ramon Castro. Most likely the Dodgers will still open the season with Ellis and Federowicz, but you never know how Spring Training will go. Kenny Shulsen, our senior staff writer, made a good point the other night when I was talking with him. During Spring Training there is a need for catchers to work out all the pitchers who are in camp. Flores will likely play in AAA.

Aussie Peter Moylan has had injury issues throughout his career with the Atlanta Braves. Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Peter Moylan has also had injury issues including Tommy John, back, and shoulder surgeries. The 34-year old right-handed sidearmer, who is from Australia, was signed back in 1996 by the Minnesota Twins as an amateur free agent. He was released by the Twins in 1998, and then was signed by the Atlanta Braves in 2006 where he’s spent parts of six seasons. He has a career ERA of 2.59 and a record of 20-9 over 260 2/3 total innings pitched. Last season he only pitched in 8 games, and he was subsequently non-tendered by the Braves. If healthy, he could provide the Dodgers with a minor league bullpen arm.