Last November, the Los Angeles Dodgers had nine players become free agents. Included in the group was four relief pitchers, headlined by Kenley Jansen. He was joined by bullpen mates Joe Blanton, Jesse Chavez and J.P. Howell.
Blanton and Chavez were newcomers to the Dodgers’ bullpen last season, while Howell and Jansen had played integral roles in the club’s four consecutive National League West titles. The Dodgers were clearly interested in re-signing Jansen and have maintained contact with Blanton.
However, Chavez and Howell always appeared as long shots to return this season. Chavez signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim last November and is projected to compete for a spot in the rotation.