Mike Adams, who signed a minor-league contract Sunday, would become the first Dodgers player to wear number “0” since Al Oliver in 1985. (Getty Images)
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Pitcher Mike Adams had labrum and rotator cuff surgery in October 2008, inguinal hernia surgery in January 2012, thoracic outlet surgery in October 2012, labrum and rotator cuff surgery in July 2013, and sports hernia surgery in December 2013.
He’s a Dodger.
Adams agreed to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training on Sunday, the team announced. He is wearing number 0, a number no Dodger has worn since Al Oliver in 1985.
The 36-year-old spent last season with the Phillies, mostly recovering from injuries to his right shoulder. When healthy, Adams went 2-1 with a 2.89 ERA in 22 games. Philadelphia declined its $6 million club option on Adams in October.
The Dodgers are Adams’ seventh organization in a major-league career that began in 2004. He is essentially a career middle reliever, having pitched in 408 games, started none, and closed 60. Adams has four saves in his career. Within that context he’s been very effective. His career WHIP (1.085) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (9.0) are both excellent, as is his 2.41 career ERA.
From the small world department: Adams was traded from San Diego to Texas in July 2011 for pitcher Joe Wieland, who’s currently in the Dodgers’ camp.
The injuries stand out more than Adams’ outstanding track record here, simply because the signing fits a pattern by the Dodgers’ new front office. Pitchers Chad Gaudin, Brandon Beachy, Brett Anderson and Sergio Santos all had major injuries last year — in some cases, more than one. In each case the Dodgers had the money to sign healthier pitchers but were willing to overlook the perceived health risks that might have deterred other organizations.
Adams is classified as an Article XX(B) Free Agent by MLB. That means he must be released by 9 p.m. March 31 or paid a $100,000 retention bonus if he doesn’t make the major-league roster (or disabled list). If Adams is sent to the minor leagues, he can opt out of the contract if the Dodgers haven’t added him to their major-league roster (or DL) by June 1.
There are now 62 players in camp.
