Dodgers Sign Shelby; Dempsey Offered Contract but Davis Isn’t

Two players who once thought their Dodger days were over returned to the team Tuesday when backup catcher Rick Dempsey was sent a non-guaranteed contract and free-agent outfielder John Shelby signed a similar deal. In another expected move, the Dodgers did not offer a contract to outfielder Mike Davis.

Dempsey’s return, which was in doubt because of his .179 batting average last season, was a tribute to the veteran’s influence and defense. While backing up Mike Scioscia, Dempsey had only three passed balls in 62 games and threw out eight of the last 14 runners attempting to steal against him. Several pitchers, notably Orel Hershiser, requested his return.

His contract, which is subject to arbitration and need not be signed until March, means Dempsey will become one of the major leagues’ rare four-decade players while in a Dodger uniform. Dempsey, 40, began his big-league career with Minnesota in 1969.

“Rick brings a lot more to our ballclub than just hitting, and we realize that,” Vice President Fred Claire said. “That backup job is his until somebody can take it from him.”

Shelby also appears headed for a backup role. He must make the team this spring for his contract to become guaranteed, at which time it will likely pay him close to his $550,000 salary of last season.

Shelby, who was sent to triple-A Albuquerque, N.M., on July 19, returned a month later to hit .250 in his final 100 at-bats for an overall .183 average.