The Cubs have agreed to a minor league deal with right-hander A.J. Ramos, ESPN.com’s Jesse Rogers reports (Twitter link). Ramos was most recently with the Dodgers on a minors contract, but was released a few days ago.
This is the latest step in Ramos’ comeback attempt, as he sat out the entire 2019 season after undergoing shoulder surgery midway through the 2018 campaign. Ramos was reportedly throwing in the 93-95mph range, actually a touch faster than the 92.7mph average fastball velocity he posted from 2012-18.
Ramos had a 6.41 ERA over 19 2/3 innings with the Mets in 2018, so it has been some time since he has pitched effectively at the MLB level. For the first six seasons of his career, however, Ramos was a very effective bullpen arm, posting a 2.88 ERA, 10.5 K/9, and 2.18 K/BB rate over 346 1/3 innings with the Marlins and Mets while recording 99 saves. Ramos’ six-year stint in Miami was highlighted by an All-Star appearance in 2016.
There’s little risk for the Cubs in seeing what Ramos has during this second act of his career. Chicago has risen to the top of the NL Central despite getting very little from its bullpen; Cubs relievers rank 27th of 30 teams in ERA (5.68), HR/9, and BB/9.
Didn’t he sign with the Dodgers in the offseason on a minors pact? Never heard anything about him getting released.
Los Angeles Dodgers released RHP AJ Ramos on 8/27.
Yeah yesterday I happened to be looking through rosters and I couldn’t find Ramos which I thought was odd, but then I saw he got released which made a lot more sense.
Dumpster divin’ Theo!!
You finally got something right.
I would think that as a Sox fan, you should spend less of your day posting the same lame trope for the 75th time, and more of your day searching for shirts that have sleeves.
One of those deals where you say oh well and hope for the best.
Except to the Sox fan who worries more about the Cubs than his team. See @ChiSox_Fan above