The Dodgers avoided arbitration with left-handed reliever Scott Alexander after agreeing to terms on a 1 year, $875,000 deal, according to Bob Nightengale.
The #Dodgers bringing back reliever Scott Alexander on one- year, $875,000 deal
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 2, 2019
This is the first season that Alexander, 30, was arbitration-eligible—meaning the Dodgers have team control over him until 2023. He was projected to receive $1 million this season.
Acquired from the Royals in the 2018 off-season, Alexander was a key member of the bullpen that season. He pitched 66 innings and posted a 3.68 ERA and 3.57 FIP with a 70.9% ground ball rate.
Last season, Alexander was limited to 17 1/3 innings after dealing with nerve problems and forearm inflammation in his pitching arm. In September, he underwent a left forearm nerve decompression procedure, according to Jorge Castillo.
Moreover, the left-hander was identified as a non-tender candidate last week. Yimi Garcia remains on the bubble from that list.
In 177 1/3 career innings, Alexander has pitched to a 3.20 ERA, 3.57 FIP and 70.8% ground ball rate.
Hopefully, Alexander can get back to full health and fill the Dodgers need for a ground ball specialist while also being the second left-handed reliever after Adam Kolarek—especially if Julio Urias moves to the rotation.
If Alexander can get back around his 2017-18 form, the $1 million price tag will be a steal. If he can’t, the cost is low enough where there is hardly any risk.
