MLB-NEWS: The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially announced the signing of the second baseman who has been adored by Cincinnati Reds fans. The blockbuster deal, worth $225.3 million over five years, was struck. According to CBS, the Dodgers designated two pitchers for arbitration following the trade deadline because…

Following the trade deadline, the Dodgers DFA two pitchers.
Following a hectic deadline day, the Dodgers designated right-hander Gus Varland and left-hander Nick Ramirez for assignment in order to free up room on the 40-man roster. Since Ramirez has been outrighted once in his career, he has the option to decline another outright assignment in favor of free agency provided he clears waivers.

After being traded by the Yankees to the Los Angeles Angels in early April, Ramirez has spent the season splitting time between Triple-A Oklahoma City and the major leagues, amassing a 6.35 ERA in 11 1/3 innings. Ramirez cannot be sent down again without first obtaining complete waivers because he has been recalled from the minors a maximum of five times.The Dodgers might be breaking up completely if they decide to go the DFA route.

Ramirez has a 4.20 ERA, a 47 percent grounder rate, an 18.5 percent strikeout rate, and an 8.7 percent walk rate over 162 2/3 innings during portions of five Major League seasons. With a 2.66 ERA over 40 2/3 IP with New York last season, he was the peak of his major league career. He has been a fairly durable reliever, capable of pitching more than one inning.

Varland, who is in his second MLB season, has visited the Triple-A shuttle frequently even though he hasn’t yet reached his recall cap. After making seven appearances, the right-hander has pitched six innings of relief for Los Angeles with a 3.00 ERA