Dodgers expected to sign pitcher Sergio Santos

The Dodgers, in search of bullpen depth, are expected to sign right-hander Sergio Santos to a minor league contract.

Santos, 31, battled shoulder and elbow injuries during three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays. He had a 1.75 earned-run average in 2013 and an 8.57 ERA in 2014, when he started the season as the Blue Jays’ closer. He lost that job in May, landed on the disabled list, and twice was designated for assignment.

As the Dodgers rebuild their bullpen under new management, closer Kenley Jansen, left-hander J.P. Howell and right-handers Chris Hatcher, Juan Nicasio and Joel Peralta appear to be the top relievers.

The cast of contenders for the remaining spots includes right-handers Brandon League, Carlos Frias, Pedro Baez and Yimi Garcia and left-handers Paco Rodriguez, Adam Liberatore and Daniel Coulombe. The Dodgers also are expected to sign right-hander Chin-hui Tsao to a minor league contract.

Santos, who graduated from Santa Ana Mater Dei High, was a first-round draft pick – as a shortstop – of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2002. The Chicago White Sox converted him to a relief pitcher in 2009, and he made the major leagues after just 57-1/3 innings in the minor leagues.