Dodgers tell Jamey Wright he’s made team; John Grabow opts out

There must be something about the challenge of making a team as a non-roster invitee that brings out the best in pitcher Jamey Wright.

For the seventh consecutive spring, Wright came to camp without any guarantee of making a major league club. Without a single promise. And for the seventh consecutive spring, he has apparently bucked the odds.

A first-round draft pick of the Colorado Rockies in 1993, the 37-year-old right-hander will be with his 10th team in the last 10 years when he joins the Dodgers this season.

Of course, that he never stuck with any of those previous teams is hardly at the top of his resume. Still, the Dodgers need a long reliever and Wright has looked sharp this spring. In nine appearances he has a 2.16 earned-run average.

The team is still dealing with paperwork, but Wright said Monday that General Manager Ned Colletti told him he had made the team.

Wright would fill the last spot in the bullpen, unless Matt Guerrier (back) is unable to start the season.

The addition of Wright is not yet official because the Dodgers have to add him to the 40-man roster. They could move injured Blake Hawksworth to the 60-day disabled list, wait until just before the season begins when Ronald Belisario has to start his 25-game suspension or designate another player.

Wright spent last season with Seattle, appearing in 60 games for the Mariners. He went 2-3 with a 3.16 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP (walk plus hits divided by innings pitched).

Wright’s ascension meant bad news for fellow non-roster pitcher John Grabow. Like Wright, Grabow could opt out of his contract as of Sunday, and he did.

Grabow has to be wondering what else he could have done. He did not allow a run in six appearances this spring, giving up only four hits in six innings. Plus, he’s left-handed and the Dodgers have only one lefty in their bullpen.

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Dodgers tell Jamey Wright he’s made team; John Grabow opts out