Dodgers Interested in Alexi Ogando

According to a tweet from Peter Gammons, the Dodgers may be interested in 31-year old Dominican right hander Alexi Ogando. Gammons is reporting that the Dodgers have major interest in Ogando after he impressed scouts during a workout.

Ogando was originally signed as an outfielder by the Oakland A’s in 2002 as an amateur free agent, but was drafted by the Rangers in the rule 5 draft back in 2005. Texas converted him to a pitcher, and it has proven a wise decision. He’s been with Texas since, and has bounced in and out of the starting rotation, and the bullpen.

Despite involvement in some kind of human trafficking ring, and trouble with his visa because of it, Ogando was eventually allowed to play in the United States. In his first full season in Texas (2010), Ogando was 4-1 with a 1.30 ERA in 41 games.

Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

After the 2010 season, Ogando was moved into the starting rotation and pitched well. He posted a 13-8 record and 3.51 ERA in 29 starts and 169 frames that year. However the following year in 2012, he was moved back to the bullpen and posted a 3.27 ERA/3.73 FIP in 58 games out of the Texas bullpen.

Ogando had a rough year in 2014, as he pitched to a 6.84 ERA in 27 games of relief for the Rangers. Overall Ogando has posted a 3.35 ERA and a 28-16 record in 183 games. During his five year major league career he has put up a 7.2 strikeout per nine rate, and 2.9 walks per nine rate with a 3.80 FIP in 406 innings pitched.

After battling various injuries over the last two seasons, Texas non-tendered Ogando back on December 2 of 2014. he then became a free agent.

Ogando could be a very useful depth piece for the Dodgers in 2015. Of course the Dodgers are not the only club interested in inking Ogando. The Red Sox were also in attendance during the workout session and appear to also be coveting the Dominican hurler.