Dodgers Video: Hector Olivera Working Out At Camelback Ranch
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Hector Olivera reportedly had a deal in place in late March, but the 30 year old’s signing wasn’t made official until May 19. During the two-month wait, Olivera worked out at the Dodgers’ Campo Las Palmas facility in the Dominican Republic.
Upon obtaining a visa and traveling to Los Angeles for his physical, Olivera was immediately sent to Camelback Ranch where Dodgers president of baseball operations said he would work out before joining High-A Rancho Cucamonga on a Minor League assignment. From there the plan was to then move Olivera up to Triple-A Oklahoma City with the hope of him reaching the Majors soon after.
While Friedman hasn’t set a target date for Olivera’s Major-League debut, the Cuban native said he would need three to four weeks (from signing) to get in game shape, but was otherwise ready. “Mentally, I’m very prepared. I know what it takes to be a Major-Leaguer. I also know the conditions of how many games are played in the big-league level, but I’m very prepared mentally,” he said during a conference call.
Olivera signed a six-year, $62.5 million contract and said he chose the Dodgers ahead of four teams, mentioning the Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants among the list of serious suitors.
