Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times reports that the Dodgers have declined club options on second baseman Chase Utley, starter Bronson Arroyo, and reliever Joel Peralta.
Utley’s option was based on the number of days he spent on the disabled list during the 2015 regular season, between $5-11 million. While with the Phillies, Utley hit the shelf in June and didn’t return until early August, playing in eight games before he was traded to the Dodgers. Overall, the veteran hit a dismal .212/.286/.343 with eight home runs and 39 RBI in 423 plate appearances. Utley may draw some interest this off-season as a bench bat, but his days of starting are likely over as he has degenerative conditions in both of his knees.
The Dodgers acquired Arroyo from the Braves at the trade deadline as part of a three-team swap that also involved the Marlins. Earning $9.5 million for the season, Arroyo’s inclusion was simply to balance out the ledger. His option was worth $11 million but the Dodgers will buy him out for $4.5 million instead. The right-hander didn’t pitch at all this season as he was on the mend from Tommy John surgery. Arroyo turns 39 years old in February and he’ll likely have trouble finding a major league contract heading into 2016.
Peralta’s option was worth $2.5 million but the soon-to-be 40-year-old dealt with neck issues throughout the 2015 season, resulting in only 29 innings pitched and a 4.34 ERA with a 24/8 K/BB ratio.
As Eric Stephen of SB Nation’s True Blue LA notes, the Dodgers’ 40-man roster currently stands at 36.
