Dodgers Free Agent Reliever Signs With AL Contender

Dinelson Lamet has signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals and joined their Triple-A affiliate in Omaha.

The move comes after Lamet opted out of his contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in early June, after which he had been a free agent for about six weeks. He has yet to make his debut for the Storm Chasers.

Lamet pitched just 4.1 innings before being designated for assignment. He accepted his outright assignment to Oklahoma City but opted for free agency shortly after. During his short time with the Dodgers, Lamet allowed one run. During his appearances in Triple-A, he posted a 4.82 ERA over 37.1 innings.

Dating to Opening Day 2022, Lamet has pitched 64.1 big league innings between four teams but posted an 8.25 ERA.

The starter-turned-reliever has been searching to regain his 2020 form, when he finished fourth in the National League Cy Young voting with a 2.09 ERA. Since then, his career has been plagued by injuries.

In 2021, Lamet’s last season in San Diego, he moved to the bullpen in hopes of maintaining his health, but he struggled with decreased velocity on his fastball. He made two separate trips to the injured list that year with forearm stiffness.

In 2023, Lamet missed almost all of May with lower back stiffness, and was released by the Colorado Rockies in June.

Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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