Veteran right-hander Gaudin in camp with Dodgers
Swingman has pitched for nine big league teams in 11 seasons
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Dodgers' collection of veteran pitchers continued to grow Wednesday with the signing of free agent right-hander Chad Gaudin to a Minor League contract with a big league camp invitation.
Gaudin, 32 next month, failed a physical with Philadelphia last spring. He then underwent a foraminotomy procedure by back specialist Robert Watkins to relieve pressure on a nerve in his neck that caused a loss of feeling and dexterity in his hand and forearm. He missed the entire 2014 season.
Gaudin, who was with Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi in Oakland, said he's 100 percent physically.
In 2013, with the Giants, he went 5-2 with a 3.06 ERA as a swingman, starting 12 games. If he doesn't make the Dodgers bullpen as a multi-innings reliever out of Spring Training, he will provide starting depth at Triple-A.
"I'm kind of excited to talk to you guys," Gaudin said to the shock of approaching reporters. "I worked out three weeks ago, they liked what they saw, the medicals were good and here I am. I'll do whatever they want, wherever they need me."
In the last week, the Dodgers also added pitchers Brandon Beachy and Dustin McGowan on Major League deals to bolster pitching depth.
Among the veterans in camp on Minor League contracts are Erik Bedard, David Aardsma and Sergio Santos.