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Dodgers pick up reliever Ryan Webb from the Orioles

Relief pitcher Ryan Webb is the latest acquisition by the Dodgers.

Relief pitcher Ryan Webb is the latest acquisition by the Dodgers.

(Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press)
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So maybe the Dodgers are not completely in love with that bullpen.

On Thursday they were still tweaking it, trading a pair of minor leaguers to the Baltimore Orioles for right-handed reliever Ryan Webb. They also received triple-A catcher Brian Ward and the No.74 pick in the June draft, apparently their reward for absorbing Webb’s $2.75-million salary.

It’s one thing to have resources, and another to use them. They essentially got a useful enough reliever at no cost other than money.

Going to Baltimore from the Dodgers are reliever Ben Rowen and catcher Chris O’Brien, two players they had in camp as non-roster invitees and had been assigned to double A. Rowen, 26, appeared in eight games last year for the Rangers. O’Brien, 25, was also at double A last year and hit .266 with seven homers and 53 RBIs.

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Webb, 29, was designated for assignment by the Orioles on Monday, a victim of a crowded bullpen. He went 3-3 with a 3.83 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 51 games last season for Baltimore. He has appeared in 317 games during his career without a save.

He is out of options, but the Dodgers have yet to announce a corresponding move that would place him on the active 25-man roster. They had one opening on the 40-man roster, but now would have to make a move if they add Scott Baker to take a start April 14.

The competitive balance draft pick coming from Baltimore now gives the Dodgers four of the first 74 picks.

Ward, 29, went to Huntington Beach’s Marina High. He hit .237 in his combined six minor league seasons, .227 last year at triple A.

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