Second baseman Mark Ellis and left-handed pitcher Chris Capuano became free agents Thursday as the Dodgers declined to exercise their options for next season.
The steady-fielding Ellis became expendable when the Dodgers signed Cuban infielder Alexander Guerrero to a four-year, $28-million contract. Guerrero is expected to replace Ellis at second base.
Ellis, 36 and a Gold Glove finalist, batted .270/.323/.343 last season with six home runs and 48 RBIs. His option was worth $5.75 million and he earned $5.25 in 2013.
Capuano, who could capture Sandy Alderson’s attention, had a lackluster season in 2013 after a solid campaign the year before. The 35-year old appeared in 24 games for the Dodgers that included 20 starts. He was 4-7 with a 4.26 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in an injury plagued season.
Capuano landed on the disabled list with a calf strain at the start of the 2013 season. He would later land on the DL again with a shoulder strain and then a third time in September when he strained his groin.
Capuano was eventually squeezed out by a surplus of starting pitching and it was no surprise that the Dodgers declined his $8 million option for 2014 and pay the $1 million buyout instead.
The lefthander could fill one of the spots in the backend of the Mets rotation, and given the history between him and the Mets, it’s likely that Sandy will kick the tires on him.
