Dodgers Sign Another Closer, 1 Day After He Becomes Free Agent

What was the arch-rival San Francisco Giants' loss, is now the LA Dodgers' gain. After being DFA'd by San Fran last week, and just one day after electing to become a free agent, reliever Lou Trivino has signed with the Dodgers.

Dodgers are signing right-handed reliever Lou Trivino to a Minor League contract. He was recently let go by the Giants. pic.twitter.com/4c3T9k4pul
— The Incline: Dodgers Podcast (@TheInclinePod) May 10, 2025

Trivino is back on the mound this year after missing the 2023 and '24 seasons due to Tommy John surgery. He had a setback in his recovery due to elbow soreness, which left him unable to return for a second consecutive season.

But when he was healthy, Trivino was a solid option at the back end of a bullpen, having been the closer for the Oakland A's in 2021, with 22 saves and a 3.18 ERA. He pitched the first half of the 2022 season as the closer in Oakland, and had 10 saves before he was dealt to the New York Yankees at the trade deadline. He fared extremely well in the Bronx, with a 1.66 ERA in 25 appearances.

But at spring training the next year, Trivino was bothered by a right elbow strain, that eventually, by the end of April, got to a point where Tommy John was recommended.

Hoping for a return the next year, the Yanks re-signed him to a one-year deal for the 2024 season with a club option for 2025, which they eventually declined.

Entering 2025, since coming into the big leagues in 2018, Trivino ranked 6th in the majors in best inherited runners scored percentage over that span (27.7%).

He did have a rough 12 innings in his return this season for the Giants last month, allowing eight runs and four homers.