Dodgers Sign Nick Robertson to Minor League Deal

This article takes a look at why the Los Angeles Dodgers decided to bring back right-handed reliever Nick Robertson on a minor-league contract. His career’s been a winding one, and this move says a lot about both the player and how the Dodgers handle their bullpen depth these days. It’s honestly the kind of low-risk move teams like to stash for emergencies.

A Familiar Face Returns to Los Angeles

The Dodgers already know Nick Robertson well. They picked him in the seventh round of the 2019 MLB Draft, and he worked his way up through their pitching ranks before making a quick stop in the majors.

Now, with his return on a minor-league deal, it’s a reunion and maybe a fresh start. Robertson got into just nine big league games with L.A. before heading out as part of a notable trade.

The Dodgers sent him to Boston in the deal that brought Kiké Hernández back. That trade really showed how much L.A. values flexibility and isn’t afraid to swap bullpen arms for versatile position players.

A Brief Stop in Boston

His time with the Red Sox was short, too—just nine MLB appearances. Then, Boston shipped him out again, this time in the trade that sent Tyler O’Neill to the St. Louis Cardinals.

His results were a bit all over the place, but there’s something about his raw stuff and knack for missing bats that kept teams interested.

A Nomadic Stretch Across Multiple Organizations

After Boston, Robertson bounced around. Waiver claims and short-term deals took him to the Angels, Blue Jays, and Astros.

He made only one big league appearance for Toronto. He didn’t reach the majors at all with the Angels, Astros, or during his second Dodgers stint. Houston let him go in August, and he finished the season in the Royals’ minor league system.

Major-League Results Tell a Partial Story

So far, Robertson’s thrown 35 2/3 innings in the majors with a 5.30 ERA. That number isn’t exactly eye-popping, but there’s a bit more to his story.

• He racks up strikeouts at a solid clip
• His walk numbers are competitive for the MLB level
• He consistently gets swings and misses

That’s probably why teams keep giving him shots, even if the results haven’t always been pretty.

Triple-A Performance and Pitch Arsenal

Robertson’s Triple-A numbers paint a fuller picture. Over parts of four seasons there, he’s got a 4.46 ERA and a strong 26.2% strikeout rate. The downside? His walk rate sits at 11.3%, which is a bit worrisome.

Command’s been the main thing holding him back from sticking in the majors. Still, the raw tools are hard to ignore.

A Three-Pitch Mix Built for Relief Work

He keeps it simple on the mound with three main pitches:

• Four-seam fastball
• Slider
• Changeup

His fastball averaged 93.4 mph in Triple-A last year. That’s enough to keep hitters honest, especially when he’s ahead. The slider, honestly, has shown flashes of being a real out pitch when he’s got it working.

Why This Move Makes Sense for the Dodgers

For Los Angeles, this signing feels like a classic case of smart roster tinkering. The Dodgers aren’t banking on Robertson for big moments; they’re just looking for some experienced depth and maybe a little upside.

If Robertson sharpens his command and finds his old groove, he could slide right into the bullpen mix. If it doesn’t work out, the team really doesn’t lose much and keeps its options open.

Low risk, modest upside, and organizational familiarity—that combination just makes sense here. For Nick Robertson, it’s one more shot at turning a winding career into something that sticks in the majors.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers, Nick Robertson Agree To Minor League Deal