Now that the Blue Jays have officially signed Rafael Dolis (1-year, $1 million with a team option for a second year), I figured we ought to add him to this run through of the 40-man roster.
Dolis last pitched in the majors in 2013, a big 5 innings for the Cubs. He pitched 38 innings in 2012 with a 6.39 ERA. Batters hit .278/.386/.472 against him. Considering he threw a mid-90s fastball ball, the Cubs expected better from him. Maybe the problem was that he almost only threw that mid-90s fastball (84% of his pitches were fastballs, with 16% sliders).
From the Cubs spent the next two seasons in the minors with the Giants and Tigers, but didn’t make it back to the majors. Then he went to Japan. In four seasons there he had a 2.49 ERA in 208 relief appearances. In 206 innings he gave up 158 hits, 61 walks and 227 strikeouts. He also ha 96 saves.
The question is: How will those numbers translate to the MLB?
That’s a good question. PECOTA doesn’t list him. Steamer doesn’t have him.
With a wide open bullpen, he’s very likely to make the team out of spring training, but where he will slot in is anyone’s guess. I’m sure the team has scouted him enough that they have an idea about how they will use him.
It is a pretty low risk signing, if he doesn’t pan out, well it’s a ‘just’ a million dollars. If things go great they have someone who can step into Ken Giles’ spot if Ken gets traded.
I’m really interested to see him pitch this spring.