The Los Angeles Dodgers have added another experienced arm to their bullpen depth chart, agreeing to a minor-league contract with veteran reliever Keynan Middleton, according to Baseball America reporter Matt Eddy.

The move gives Los Angeles a low-risk option as Middleton attempts to reestablish himself following multiple injury setbacks.

Middleton, 32, has not appeared in a major-league game over the past two seasons.

After delivering a productive 2023 campaign split between the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees, he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, but suffered a flexor injury during spring activities that ultimately required surgery.

The procedure sidelined him for nearly all of 2024 and most of 2025, limiting him to only brief minor-league action.

Late last season, Middleton returned to competitive pitching with the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, throwing 3 2/3 scoreless innings for the Long Island Ducks.

While the sample size was small, it marked an important step in his recovery process and offered encouragement that he could still contribute at the professional level.

Injuries have repeatedly interrupted what once looked like a breakout trajectory.

Middleton originally emerged as a high-velocity bullpen arm with the Los Angeles Angels, posting a 3.43 ERA across his first two partial big league seasons from 2017 to 2018.

However, a major elbow procedure in 2019 began a stretch of recurring health issues that also included shoulder, ankle, foot, and biceps concerns before the most recent flexor surgery.

Across parts of seven MLB seasons, Middleton owns a 3.84 ERA in 194 1/3 innings, along with a strong strikeout profile.

His career strikeout rate sits above league average, though occasional control lapses have contributed to a higher walk rate.

Even as his fastball velocity dipped slightly, from the upper-90s earlier in his career to the mid-90s in his most recent healthy season, he continued to generate swings and misses at an impressive clip from 2022 through 2023.

The Dodgers’ bullpen picture remains crowded heading into the season. Newly signed closer Edwin Díaz headlines the group, while experienced late-inning options Tanner Scott, Blake Treinen, and Alex Vesia are expected to handle key setup roles.

With numerous young arms also competing for roster spots, Middleton will likely need a strong showing to earn a major league opportunity.

Still, the signing reflects Los Angeles’ continued strategy of building pitching depth through upside veteran additions, giving Middleton a chance to revive his career in a competitive environment.

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