Los Angeles Dodgers ' forgotten lefty Jake Cousins has reappeared all of a sudden after recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Cousins signed a major league deal a day before the regular season started, an addition that went under the radar as the three-peat campaign officially got underway.
His deal was for a guaranteed $905,000 , plus $50,000 in incentives if he makes five appearances and finishes on the active roster.
Since his signing, Cousins has been stashed on the 60-day IL, but he is now finally making competitive pitches again.
Oct 28, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Jake Cousins (61) throws during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game three of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
On Saturday, August 22nd, for the first time since joining the team, Cousins was throwing live batting practice. He followed an also-recovering Shohei Ohtani on the mound.
"Today was a good day, and obviously we saw Jake for a little bit just to get him here and put eyes on him, but getting Will in the batter's box, taking some at-bats, it's just good to see the competition from both those guys," manager Dave Roberts said about the session.
No information was provided on how close or far Cousins is from returning.
Since he hasn't pitched in a game in months, it's hard to see him return straight to the majors, and he will likely head on a rehab assignment.
Cousins can possibly join the bullpen during the last few weeks and even get a look for the postseason roster if he looks good after a serious procedure.
At the very least, his current pitching will affect his future on the Dodgers and the big leagues.
Cousins is the cousin of Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins, highlighting his genetic connection to strong arms.
He has pitched 90.2 innings in the major leagues, striking out 32% of hitters and profiling as a ground baller, with 47% of batted balls staying down. His numbers across his time in the big leagues are a 2.78 ERA in 88 games.
Oct 19, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Jake Cousins (61) celebrates the final out of the eighth inning against the Cleveland Guardians during game five of the ALCS for the 2024 MLB playoffs at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Despite a promising profile, Cousins has suffered multiple injuries during his career — shoulder inflammation, a pec strain, a biceps strain, and right elbow effusion.
Funnily enough, during the 2024 season, Cousins played on the Yankees team that faced LA in the World Series.
In the postseason, he had a 9 ERA in 5 innings, but his FIP was only 3.37, a better picture of how he pitched.
A pitcher like Cousins relies on a good defense, and luckily for him, the Dodgers have one of the best.
