Despite tying up a significant portion of their payroll in Kenley Jansen last month, the Dodgers are still looking for bullpen help. According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the club is reportedly considering free agent right-hander Neftali Feliz among other late-inning candidates.
Feliz, 28, signed a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Pirates prior to the 2016 season. He pitched to a 3.52 ERA over 53 2/3 innings with Pittsburgh, nearly halving his 2015 ERA and recording a career-best 10.2 SO/9 to boot. Although he was shut down for the last month of the season due to arm discomfort, no structural damage was found and the right-hander appears to have a clean bill of health as he approaches a 2017 run.
The Nationals were connected to Feliz in early December, but no serious contract talks have been reported as of yet. While the 28-year-old has a lengthy history of arm/elbow injuries and less-than-stellar command, his improved velocity, recent success off the mound and relatively young age should give the Dodgers some peace of mind should they choose to pursue him.
