Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers added Clayton Beeter and AJ Ramos to their 60-man player pool, which again officially sits at 51 due to recent changes with the roster. Though, reports indicate the Dodgers also added Devin Mann.
In terms of removals, it began when David Price opted out of the 2020 season. Then on Monday, the Dodgers announced Jimmy Nelson was undergoing season-ending back surgery. “We just couldn’t get him untracked as far as physically,” manager Dave Roberts said.
“There were days he felt well but then the back, the arm, kept popping up. We just couldn’t get any traction with him. I know he was frustrated throughout the spring. After quarantining and giving some time off, it just never really came around.”
As for Ramos, he’s a few days removed from signing a Minor League contract with the Dodgers. The former Miami Marlins All-Star relief pitcher last pitched for the New York Mets in 2018, going going 2-2 with a 6.41 ERA, 5.19 FIP and 1.63 WHP over 19.2 innings (28 appearances).
It was with the Marlins that Ramos enjoyed his most success. Over parts of six seasons, he posted a 2.78 ERA, 3.24 FIP and 1.23 WHIP with 99 saves in 325 games.
Beeter, the Dodgers’ pick in the Competitive Balance B (No. 66 overall) reportedly signed for above slot value. He became just the Dodgers’ second selection from the 2020 MLB Draft to receive more than slot value.
Beeter made four starts for Texas Tech in 2020, going 2-1 with a 2.14 ERA. One of the outings saw him set a career high with 12 strikeouts over six innings against Rice University.
“We’re going to try and develop him as a starter,” Dodgers vice president of amateur scouting Billy Gasparino said after the Draft. “That’s the current plan. He did it for four starts at Texas Tech and he performed really well. We think he took to it well from all of our research.”
Gavin Lux, Pedro Baez not yet in camp
While the Dodgers will have Beeter and Ramos part of Summer Camp, they are awaiting Pedro Baez and Gavin Lux. Through Monday, Kenley Jansen and AJ Pollock were also among those who have yet to report for Spring Training 2.0.
As has been the case with other players, Roberts could not disclose the reason(s) for Lux’s and Baez’s absence. “I don’t know when to expect them, but I do expect both those guys in camp at some point soon,” he said.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!