Dellin Betances sadly up to old tricks in Dodgers’ system debut

The Los Angeles Dodgers made several desperate swings this offseason in an attempt to boost their bullpen, with some more extreme than others. Pillow contracts for Jimmy Nelson and Danny Duffy haven’t paid off yet (and Tommy Kahnle’s from last year did, then didn’t again). A minor-league reunion with Shane Greene ended with the right-hander in the Yankees system. And, right at the horn prior to Opening Day, a former Yankee icon joined the Dodgers in a last-ditch attempt to prove himself.

Dellin Betances signed with the Dodgers on April 5 coming off shoulder surgery that cut his Mets contract short, and hadn’t appeared in an organized game through the season’s first two months as his rehab continued.

After four unbelievable All-Star campaigns to begin his Yankees tenure and an … honestly very good 2018 season, too, featuring a 2.70 ERA and 115 Ks in 66.2 innings pitched, Betances fell apart in 2019. He suffered a shoulder issue that landed him on the shelf for the majority of the season, only to rupture his Achilles hopping off the mound during his singular appearance that year.

That led him to the Mets on a two-year deal following that lost season, which worked out about as well as any wild Mets swing usually does. Betances allowed 11 earned runs in 12.2 innings across two seasons, then succumbed to a shoulder injury, a new malady for his collection. The Dodgers offered him a life raft late in the offseason, but he hadn’t made a single appearance … until this week, when he threw one inning in the short-season Arizona Complex League.

Where is Dellin Betances and could he still help Dodgers?

Also noteworthy here? Betances allowed two singles, and both runners reportedly attempted to steal second. The ex-Yankee is known for his gangly frame and long, loping delivery, but … really? In the Arizona Complex League, you’re going to make him confront this issue in his first appearance in months?

The results from Betances aren’t necessarily important here; after all, it’s been eons. The recurrence of an old bugaboo that came about entirely because the other team was being annoying, though? That’s frustrating.

The Yankees have moved on, doling out Betances’ old number to Manny Bañuelos, the kiddo who was once one of his top prospect compatriots. Unfortunately, it’ll likely be quite a while until anyone sees that No. 68 in Dodger Blue, either.

Betances has a long road back, and scuffled in his first taste of competition.

If his opponents plan to be this pesky, even in the Arizona heat, maybe he should stick to intra-squad games for a little while longer.

Tyler Anderson is latest benefactor of Dodgers’ pitching machine

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tyler Anderson dominated again on Monday against the Nationals and he's proving to be a huge addition.