Los Angeles Dodgers: Biggest winners of Spring Training thus far

2. Yimi Garcia

With the addition of Joe Kelly and an all-around healthy bullpen, the Los Angeles Dodgers had some decisions to make about who makes the big league club. The bullpen is so deep that there was bound to be a quality arm that did not make the cut, even though they deserved it.

Yimi Garcia was a prime candidate to be that undeserving snub that was just under the cut line for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The problem with Garcia, though, is that he cannot simply go to the minor leagues like other relievers on the team.

Garcia is all out of minor league options so if he did not make the 25-man roster then he would be designated for assignment. While Garcia could theoretically pass through, there are so many bad bullpens in the league that would sign him almost instantly.

Garcia knows this and has come out of the gates in Spring Training. Garcia has made five appearances out of the bullpen this spring and has thrown an inning in each outing.

In those five innings, Garcia has not allowed a run, has allowed just three hits, one walk and has struck out six. He has been as good as a reliever can be in Spring Training and has certainly made the Dodgers’ decision harder.

If Garcia continues to pitch well then he deserves to make the big league club and see if he can extend that to the regular season. The team can send a guy that actually has a minor league option down and give Garcia his chance. If he struggles, then the team can DFA him.