Jamey Wright Rejoins Dodgers

The Dodgers rounded out their 2014 bullpen on Monday by signing both Chris Perez and Jamey Wright. The Dodgers and Wright had been in talks for awhile, and now according to Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times, the right-hander will be rejoining the Dodgers on a one-year deal. Jamey Wright actually will be turning the big 40 on Christmas Eve, so we wish him a happy Blue birthday and welcome him back to the team.

"Source: The #Dodgers have signed Jamey Wright to a one-year deal.— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) December 23, 2013"

The 18-year veteran spent 2012 with the Dodgers when he pitched in 66 games and compiled a 5-3 record with a 3.72 ERA in 67 2/3 innings pitched. Wright, who started off the season for the Dodgers primarily as a long-man and mop-up guy, slowly started to be used by Mattingly in more important situations as the season continued and as Jamey proved he could pitch effectively in such ways.

Last season, Wright was with Tampa Bay and actually pitched in the exact same number of games (66) as the season prior with the Dodgers. His ERA improved to a good 3.09 over 70 innings. Wright finally was able to pitch in the postseason for Tampa Bay, a lifelong dream for him. He only appeared in two games in the ALDS versus the soon-to-be World Champion Red Sox. He allowed 4 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks in 2 innings.

Jamey Wright pitches for the Dodgers in 2012. Photo: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

Wright has spent time with the Rockies, Brewers, Cardinals, Royals, Rockies again, Giants, Rangers, Royals again, Indians, Mariners, Dodgers, Rays, and now the Dodgers for a second stint. You can say Jamey Wright has gotten around.

The Dodgers now have a full 40 men on their roster, and their bullpen seems to be all shored up as Kenley Jansen, Brian Wilson, Chris Perez, Paco Rodriguez, J.P. Howell, Jamey Wright, and Brandon League now look to be the Opening Day group. Chris Withrow, who undoubtedly deserves a spot, may be on the bubble to begin the season in AAA-Albuquerque unfortunately. If you think the Dodgers will cut Brandon League anytime soon, I’m sorry to say that they will not be doing that. League, who is under contract for two more years, recently underwent LASIK eye surgery in hopes of improving not only his vision but also his pitching next season. Maybe the combination of laser eye surgery and Rick Honeycutt‘s magic can somehow make him, you know, good again.

Aside from League, the Dodger bullpen looks to be fantastic next season. They now have two lefties, a long-man, essentially two closers, and also strong middle relief. Now on to that bench…