1500 ESPN’s Darren Wolfson reports that the Dodgers are expected to sign pitcher Scott Baker to a minor league deal, pending a physical. Baker was released by the Yankees on Sunday. He allowed nine runs on 14 hits with a 10/0 K/BB ratio over 10 1/3 innings in Grapefruit League play this spring.
The Dodgers are light in terms of starting pitching depth as Hyun-Jin Ryu will start the season on the disabled list with a sore left shoulder. Brandon McCarthy and Brett Anderson also have spotty health histories. With that known, it’s understandable why the Dodgers will sign Baker and already have signed veteran Freddy Garcia to a minor league deal.
Baker made eight starts and 17 relief appearances for the Rangers last season, posting a 5.47 ERA with a 55/14 K/BB ratio over 80 2/3 innings. Coming up with the Twins, Baker always had a lot of promise, but could rarely stay healthy for an entire season. He underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2012.