Dodgers acquire right-hander Juan Nicasio from Rockies

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired right-hander Juan Nicasio from the Colorado Rockies on Monday in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

The Rockies designated Nicasio for assignment last week, opting not to pay his $2.4 million salary via arbitration before the December 2nd deadline. The Dodgers, under new GM Andrew Freidman, look to add quality depth at a low risk, something they haven’t done in recent memory. Nicasio will likely battle it out for the fifth spot in the rotation in Spring Training and if that doesn’t work out he should make for a solid addition to the bullpen after a strong second half in 2014.

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Nicasio was moved to the Rockies bullpen midway thru last season after struggling as a starter, posting an ERA above 5.00 in three-plus seasons. He transitioned nicely, dropping his ERA to 3.48 over 19 appearances in relief. According to Fangraphs, Nicasio’s fastball even showed more life late last year, averaging 95 mph in relief versus 92.7 mph as a starter.

For a team like the Dodgers who don’t mind throwing their money around, this move is a no-brainer. Nicasio has always had good stuff and at the age of 28, has more than enough left in the tank to contribute as a starter or reliever.

As for the Rockies, this move is a bit puzzling. Nicasio has been given plenty of chances as a starter with no success. So you move him to the bullpen and he finally starts pitching well and you cut him? For a team looking to improve their bullpen on a tight budget, it just doesn’t make much sense to release a guy who is set to make just $2.4 million next year.

When Nicasio was designated for assignment last week, it was to make room for left-handed prospect Tyler Anderson on the 40-man roster. Anderson has had good numbers in the minors, posting a 23-10 record and a 2.38 ERA over three seasons.

Hopefully the Rockies have a plan of action to improve their pitching staff and are sticking to that plan. Otherwise this move just takes away from an already depleted bullpen.