### Dodgers Reinforce Bullpen by Signing Veteran Chris Stratton Amid Injury Crisis The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a strategic move to bolster their pitching staff by signing right-handed pitcher Chris Stratton to a major league contract. This decision comes as the team faces a significant injury crisis, with 14 pitchers currently on the injured list. Stratton, a seasoned player with experience across multiple MLB teams, is expected to provide immediate support in the bullpen. To accommodate his addition, the Dodgers optioned rookie Bobby Miller to Triple-A and designated J.P. Feyereisen for assignment, reflecting the urgency of the situation as they prepare for upcoming games against the New York Mets [https://www.djournal.com/sports/professional/dodgers-sign-rhp-chris-stratton/article_62538736-3903-4971-a3d3-0f359eb34eff.html][https://www.espn.co.uk/mlb/story/_/id/45323350/dodgers-sign-pitcher-chris-stratton-option-bobby-miller]. ### Breakdown of the Dodgers' Recent Roster Moves 1. **Signing of Chris Stratton**: - The Dodgers signed Chris Stratton, a 34-year-old right-hander, to a major league deal, aiming to enhance their bullpen depth [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/dodgers_sign_veteran_reliever_chris_stratton_to_deal]. 2. **Optioning Bobby Miller**: - Rookie pitcher Bobby Miller was optioned to Triple-A to create space for Stratton on the active roster [https://www.wtop.com/sports/2025/05/dodgers-sign-rhp-chris-stratton-and-option-rhp-bobby-miller-to-minors]. 3. **Designating J.P. Feyereisen for Assignment**: - To clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Stratton, the Dodgers designated J.P. Feyereisen for assignment [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/los_angeles_dodgers_secure_veteran_reliever_to_pad_gutted_bullpen]. ### Performance Metrics and Background of Chris Stratton - **Career Overview**: - Stratton was a first-round pick in 2012 and has played for six MLB teams, including the Giants, Angels, and most recently the Royals. His career statistics include a **4.63 ERA** and a **3.96 FIP** over 406.2 innings pitched [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/dodgers_sign_veteran_reliever_chris_stratton_to_deal]. - **Recent Performance**: - Despite a challenging season with the Royals, where he posted a **7.94 ERA** over 17 innings, Stratton has shown potential as a reliable middle reliever in previous seasons, particularly with the Pirates and Cardinals [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/los_angeles_dodgers_secure_veteran_reliever_to_pad_gutted_bullpen]. ### Conclusion: Strategic Move to Address Bullpen Needs In summary, the Dodgers' signing of Chris Stratton is a calculated response to their current pitching challenges. The following points encapsulate the situation: 1. **Immediate Need**: The Dodgers are addressing a critical shortage in their bullpen due to injuries, making Stratton's signing timely and necessary. 2. **Roster Adjustments**: The optioning of Bobby Miller and the designation of J.P. Feyereisen reflect the team's commitment to optimizing their roster for competitive play. 3. **Potential Impact**: While Stratton's recent performance has been inconsistent, his extensive experience and past success as a reliever could provide the Dodgers with much-needed stability in their pitching lineup. This strategic move underscores the Dodgers' proactive approach to maintaining competitiveness in the face of adversity [https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/dodgers-sign-rhp-chris-stratton-and-option-rhp-bobby-miller-to-minors-2/?intcid=CNR-02-0623].