Dodgers trade bust who threw one inning in LA joins Guardians pitching lab

Against all odds, and despite a number of high-profile free agent additions last offseason, Dodgers pitchers were just as unhealthy in 2025 and they were in 2024. They used an absolutely egregious 40 arms in 2024, then matched that in 2025.

Both lists are filled with guys that you probably don't remember. From 2025: Julian Fernandez, JP Feyereisen, Paul Gervase, José Ureña, Jack Little, Ryan Loutos. From 2024: Nabil Crismatt, Dinelson Lamet, Zach Logue, Eduardo Salazar.

But only one of any of LA's forgotten carousel relievers holds the ignominious honor of pitching just one, singular inning before something bad happened: Connor Brogdon.

He was DFA'ed by the Phillies just a few days into the 2024 season (and a day after giving up a grand slam), but the Dodgers, who weren't even in the thick of their injury problems yet, traded minor leaguer Benony Robles to Philadelphia in exchange for Brogdon.

He made his Dodgers debut against the Twins on April 9, gave up two home runs in one inning of work, and then went onto the IL with plantar fasciitis in his foot. He stayed there for the rest of the season before being outrighted to the minors and rejecting his assignment, opting instead to sign a minor league deal with the Angels.

It's a downright miracle that anyone still wants him after a 5.55 ERA, 47-inning season in Anaheim, but the pitching-rich Guardians signed him to a major league deal worth $900,000 on Tuesday.

Dodgers trade flop Connor Brogdon signs major league deal with Guardians

The Guardians' pen was more beatable this past season, but they were untouchable at some points in 2024. Hunter Gaddis, Cade Smith, Tim Herrin, and Emmanuel Clase formed an absolute gauntlet in late innings, and Smith still turned in a decent season this year. Cleveland took Jakob Junis, a journeyman with a lifetime 4.48 ERA before coming to the Guardians, and turned him into someone who could spin a sub-3.00 ERA.

The Dodgers, who have a pretty effective pitching program as well (outside of the fact that they can't keep them healthy), might've thought that they could fix Brogdon up too. His one inning isn't necessarily a reflection on his ability, as he might've gotten more chances if he'd stayed healthy, but the two homers he gave up kind of are. He seems to have a propensity for the long ball; he gave up 11 in 47 innings with the Angels.

Good luck with all of that, Guardians.