Grimm joins Dodgers' bullpen competition

ANAHEIM -- The Dodgers have one open bullpen spot remaining ahead of Opening Day. They signed right-handed reliever Justin Grimm to a Minor League deal Sunday, introducing another option to the mix.

Grimm, 30, spent Spring Training in Cleveland’s camp on a Minor League deal, but opted out of his contract Friday. He appeared in nine Cactus League games, allowing one earned run on eight hits in 8 2/3 innings and striking out nine while walking four.

“I’d say so,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said when asked if Grimm, who joined the club ahead of its game against the Angels at Angel Stadium, is being considered for the final bullpen spot. “Today, he’s going to go out there and play catch.”

The Dodgers originally planned to use Grimm somewhere during Sunday’s 8-4 loss, but Roberts noted postgame that they decided to hold off in order to give Grimm a chance to recover from traveling to join the team.

“We’ll get him in there tomorrow,” said Roberts.

While the Dodgers are still weighing their relief options, Grimm is sufficiently stretched out from his work this spring for the team’s liking and could be slotted into the bullpen immediately. Roberts noted that the Dodgers like Grimm’s ability to get both right- and left-handed batters out, though Grimm doesn’t offer the multi-inning length that other candidates, like Brock Stewart, do.

Grimm has played for four teams over the course of seven Major League seasons, posting a career 4.98 ERA and an 82 ERA+. He split 2018 between the Royals and Mariners organizations, spending a large portion of the season either at Triple-A or sidelined by a shoulder impingement in his throwing arm. Grimm’s best season came in ‘15, when he had a 1.99 ERA and a 192 ERA+ in 62 games with the Cubs, and he was part of the ‘16 World Series championship run.

Grimm’s repertoire consists mainly of three pitches, including a fastball that averaged around 94 mph in limited playing time in 2018, as well as a curveball and a slider.

Dodgers won’t rush Hill’s return

Left-hander Rich Hill, who is out with a Grade 1 strain in his left knee, was feeling better Sunday, but is using a brace to “stabilize” his condition, according to Roberts.

“We've got to really be mindful and take care of it and make sure it’s right,” said Roberts. “So we’re in no rush right now with Rich, and every day it’s been getting better.”

Up next

The Dodgers and Angels play the middle game of the preseason Freeway Series at Angel Stadium on Monday, with Kenta Maeda going up against Ty Buttrey. First pitch is set for 7:07 p.m. PT.