Today In Dodger History: Dodgers Sign Carlos Frias

On Jan. 3 2007, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Carlos Frias out of the Dominican Republic as an amateur free agent. Frias pitched for the Dodgers’ Dominican Summer League that year before advancing to Rookie Ball the following season.

Frias bounced around in Ogden and the Arizona Rookie League in 2009 and was with Ogden in 2010. He then reached High-A Rancho Cucamonga but saw minimal action — appearing in just 12 games. From that point on, the young right-hander worked his way up the Dodgers’ farm system that culminated with Frias reaching the Majors in 2014.

Prior to joining the Dodgers, the 25-year-old split time last season in Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Albuquerque. Frias debuted with the Dodgers on Aug. 4 against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim with Albert Pujols the first batter he faced.

Pujols singled off Frias, who threw two scoreless innings in the Dodgers’ loss at Chavez Ravine. After eight relief appearances, Frias got his first start Sept. 3 and allowed just three hits in six shutout innings of a game the Dodgers lost in 14 innings.

Frias’ lone win in 2014 came on the second-to-last day of the regular season in what was also his final appearance as he tossed three scoreless innings out of the bullpen. He finished the season 1-1 with a 6.12 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 29 strikeouts in 32.1 innings pitched.

When Frias managed to have a grasp on his control, he proved to be an effective relief option and spot starter for the Dodgers. His high ERA is largely tied to the eight runs he surrendered at Coors Field in 0.2 innings during an abysmal mid-September start.

Frias’ production during the regular season earned him a spot on the Dodgers’ 25-man NLDS roster, however he wasn’t called on in any of the four games. If Frias is able to build on the experience gained, an expanded role next season may be in the cards.