The Dodgers have agreed to a major league deal with pitcher Edinson Volquez, who was released by the San Diego Padres on Tuesday.
Volquez's deal is expected to be finalized Thursday, according to people familiar with the situation. The Dodgers will have to pay Volquez only the prorated share of the major league minimum salary. Whatever else remains of Volquez's $5.725-million salary will be paid by the Padres.
Volquez, 30, was an All-Star with the Cincinnati Reds in 2008, when he was 17-6 with a 3.21 earned-run average. He hasn’t posted a sub-four ERA since then.
Volquez was 9-10 with a 6.01 ERA with the Padres.
Volquez has to be in the Dodgers' organization by Saturday at 9 p.m. Pacific time to be eligible for postseason competition.
Volquez will offer the Dodgers another option for their final spot in the rotation, which is currently occupied by Chris Capuano.
Capuano has posted a 6.98 ERA in his last four starts, all of which were five innings or shorter.
Capuano won’t necessarily be dropped from the rotation right away, as the Dodgers could use Volquez as a sixth starter at least once to give the other starters an extra day of rest.
The Dodgers are expected to open a roster spot for Volquez by sending a player with options to the minor leagues. The Dodgers would be able to recall that player on Tuesday, a day after the minor league season ends.
--Dylan Hernandez
