Ryan Madson turned 38 on Tuesday. In 13 seasons in the majors, he reached the postseason on six different occasions and appeared in three World Series. As the Dodgers prepared to welcome him into their clubhouse, the team intended to rely on Madson’s history rather than his present, which made him available in a waiver-wire deal from Washington.
The Dodgers acquired Madson, a right-handed reliever, from the Nationals in exchange for minor-league reliever Andrew Istler. The team will pick up the $1.17 million remaining on Madson’s salary, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Madson was expected to arrive in Los Angeles on Friday evening and be activated when the rosters expand on Saturday.