Add another name to the pitching depth chart this year, as the Dodgers signed left-hander Cole Irvin to a minor league contract that includes a non-roster invitation to spring training, per multiple reports.
Irvin pitched last season for the Doosan Bears in the Korean Baseball Organization, and put up a 4.48 ERA in 28 starts, with 128 strikeouts and 79 walks in 144 2/3 innings. The left-hander pitched parts of six years in the majors with the Phillies, A’s, Orioles, and Twins, with a 4.54 ERA and 4.45 FIP in 134 games, including 93 starts, with 434 strikeouts and 142 walks in 593 innings.
Irvin, who turned 32 on Saturday, was born in Anaheim and went to high school there at Servite. The Phillies drafted the left-hander out of the University of Oregon in the fifth round in 2016.
In other words, Irvin has a puncher’s — or perhaps pitcher’s — chance of pitching for the Dodgers this season. Or at the very least, he could use his spring training to open eyes for another opportunity elsewhere.