The Dodgers Claim Ryan Madson; Working on a Deal

The Dodgers may add another arm to their bullpen prior to Friday’s deadline to add players who are eligible for the postseason.

The Dodgers claimed Ryan Madson on Wednesday afternoon and are trying to work out a deal with the Washington Nationals.  Madson is owed approximately 1.3 million dollars the rest of the season so the Dodgers do have enough financial wiggle room to take on Madson’s contract and stay under the luxury tax threshold if they choose to.

Ryan Madson has struggled this season and has posted a 5.28 ERA this season while allowing a .279 batting average to the opposition.  Madson has been even worse in the month of August putting up an ERA over nine.  The Dodgers adding Madson would be a no risk high reward move although they are probably better off sticking with their current assortment of bullpen arms.

The Dodgers could be thinking that Madson is due for a rebound since he posted a 1.83 ERA last season while holding hitters to a .187 batting average.  Last season, Madson also posted a 0.80 WHIP so it’s possible he could bounce back and become a serviceable arm in the depleted Dodger bullpen.

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Dodger fans should be pretty familiar with Ryan Madson since he was the Phillies’ primary set up man to Brad Lidge during the late 2000’s when the Phillies made it an annual tradition of ending the Dodgers season.  While Madson is now 38 years old, he is still averaging 95.8 miles per hour on his fastball so Madson can still bring the heat.

Madson’s best pitch is his diving changeup that keeps hitters off balance and makes his fastball look 100 miles per hour.  Then there is the 12-6 hammer curve that Ryan Madson throws to challenge left-handed hitters.  The one thing Madson would bring to LA is his postseason experience having been in the World Series more than once.

The Dodgers were counting on Julio Urias and Ross Stripling to bolster their bullpen but Stripling is currently dealing with an injured back and Urias has had three to four days between each of his rehab starts and doesn’t seem as close to returning as originally anticipated.  Josh Fields is also working his way back and it seems as if Tony Cingrani will not return this season.

The Dodgers have until late Friday to work out a deal since waiver claim deals must be agreed to within two days.  The Nationals could also choose to let Madson go to be relieved of his salary obligations although the Nats should look to get something for Madson.  Stay tuned to see if the Dodgers are able to finish a deal for Ryan Madson.