The Dodgers agreed to terms with left-handed relief pitcher J.P. Howell on Friday, CBSSports.com insider Jon Heyman reported. Howell will earn $2.85 million, with another $1.2 million in performance bonuses.
Howell, 29, posted a 3.04 ERA in 50.1 innings for Tampa Bay last season. He struck out 42 batters against 22 walks, good for a 1.91 K/BB.
Howell adds a second left-hander to the Dodgers' bullpen, with Scott Elbert forming the other part of the duo. Howell was significantly better against left-handed batting in 2012 -- the California native allowed just a .612 OPS to 99 lefties compared to a .795 mark against 104 right-handed batters.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the latest rumors from bloggers Chris Cwik, Jack Moore and R.J. White, follow @MLBRumorsCBS.
