Los Angeles Dodgers sign Roger Bernadina to minor league deal

Having additional depth at a position always comes in handy, even for an organization that would appear to have an abundance of it. The Los Angeles Dodgers added another outfielder to the mix on Monday, reportedly reaching an agreement with Roger Bernadina on a minor league deal two weeks after he’d received his release from the Cincinnati Reds.

MLB Daily Dish’s Chris Cotillo notes that Bernadina had received multiple offers as a free agent. He’ll report to the team’s Triple-A affiliate.

Bernadina, now 30, has struggled at the plate since enjoying what appeared to be a breakout season in 2012. That year, with the Washington Nationals, he’d hit .291/.372/.405 in 261 plate appearances. He never figured to move into the team’s starting lineup, but looked as though he’d continue to be a solid contributor off the bench with the ability to handle all three outfield positions.

Since that season Bernadina has played for the Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Reds before this move to join the Dodgers. He’s hit just .175/.258/.276 in that span in 321 PA. This season he’d appeared in 44 games for the Reds before the team outrighted him to the minor leagues, batting a mere .153/.286/.203.

Los Angeles has an already full outfield at the moment but have been rumored to have interest in moving one of their existing regulars before the trade deadline. Should they manage to facilitate a move the first callup would likely go to Joc Pederson, the organization’s top hitting prospect. Bernadina, with his seven years of MLB experience, would likely further provide depth after Pederson.