Dodgers News: Peter Moylan Agrees To Minor League Deal With Astros
Since free agency started, the Los Angeles Dodgers have seen two players leave when Nick Punto and Skip Schumaker signed with the A’s and Reds respectively. Anytime you have 10 free agents, it’s expected players will leave for greater opportunities, but the Dodgers were interested in bringing back Punto before he took his talents elsewhere.
However, the Dodgers lost another player in free agency when Peter Moylan signed a minor league contract with the Houston Astros. Ben Nicholson-Smith of SportsNet.CA was the first to report the signing:
Peter Moylan agrees to terms with Astros per source. Minor league deal includes invite to MLB spring training
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) November 23, 2013
The Dodgers signed Moylan to a minor league deal in mid-January last year and he didn’t make his first appearance until June 2 after he was recalled with Scott Elbert going on the 60-day DL. In 14 games, Moylan was 1-0 with a 6.46 ERA as he spent most of the season with Triple A Albuquerque before being designated for assignment on October 22 in favor of Alexander Guerrero.
Moylan elected free agency and was scooped up by the Astros, who could use his veteran presence in their young clubhouse. The 34-year-old Aussie has had great seasons when he was with the Atlanta Braves, but elbow injuries have derailed his career. In the three years he pitched 80+ games, Moylan posted ERA’s below 3.00 and is regarded as one of the best ground ball pitchers in all of baseball.
Recently, Moylan was apart of the welcoming party for Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis in Australia as he was partaking in the Goodwill Tour before the Opening Series next season. One of the good guys in baseball, hopefully Moylan latches on with the Astros and has his success, especially after his tweet last night:
I have a job next year!!!!!
— Peter Moylan (@PeterMoylan) November 22, 2013
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