The Los Angeles Dodgers’ rehabilitation factory has produced a bust. All-Star right-hander Alex Reyes, 29, is out for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery without throwing a single pitch. The Dodgers wasted $1.1 million on him.
Reyes recently underwent shoulder surgery, according to the Orange County Register, a local California media outlet. The surgery, which will require at least 12 months of rehabilitation, is expected to keep him out of action for the rest of the season and even the first half of next year.
The Dodgers signed Reyes as a free agent in February for one year and $1.1 million guaranteed. The deal is worth up to $10 million over two years with a $3 million club option for next year and incentives based on the number of appearances he makes. Even with the lower guaranteed salary, this could have been a big deal depending on Reyes’ performance.
However, Reyes didn’t make an appearance in the majors or the minors this year, and his season ended with no live action. With at least a year of rehab required, it’s unlikely the Dodgers will exercise his team option for next year. The $1.1 million in guaranteed salary isn’t a lot of money for the “big market” Dodgers, but it’s a blemish on their rehab reputation.
The Dodgers made good use of it in 2021 by picking up pitchers on the cheap, including Jimmy Nelson, Corey Knable, and Tommy Kane 스포츠토토, whose careers were threatened by injury and rehab. Even Shelby Miller, who had Tommy John surgery and was reduced to a junkyard dog, rebounded this season to go 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA in 24 games (28 innings) for the Dodgers.
Reyes, however, was never used. He began a throwing program in spring training last spring, but discomfort in his shoulder halted his rehab and he was placed on the 60-day disabled list in mid-April. He had previously undergone shoulder surgery, but this time more damage was found in other areas.
The right-hander, a former St. Louis Cardinals prospect, went 16-11 with a 2.86 ERA, 31 saves and nine shutouts in 101 games (145 innings) in five major league seasons from his debut in 2016 through 2021.
In 2021, he took over as the closer and went 10-8 with a 3.24 ERA and 29 saves in 69 games (72⅓ innings) with 95 strikeouts. He averaged 96.6 mph (155.5 km/h) with his four-seam fastball and was named a National League All-Star.
However, he underwent Tommy John surgery on his shoulder last May and was lost for the season without throwing a single pitch. Injuries have plagued Reyes throughout his career, including Tommy John surgery in 2017, and the Cardinals released him as a non-tender after last season.
Several teams were interested in Reyes, but the Dodgers were able to get him on the cheap. When healthy, Reyes has proven to be an elite bullpen arm, but his inability to find that health has tarnished the Dodgers’ rehab reputation.