The Dodgers added another pitcher with a thick medical file, as they signed right-hander Mike Adams to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to their major league spring-training camp.

“We look at it as high upside,” Manager Don Mattingly said.

Adams, 36, was once considered one of the top setup men in baseball. He posted a 1.76 earned-run average with the San Diego Padres in 2010. He was even better the next season, as he lowered his ERA to 1.47 in 75 games with the Padres and Texas Rangers.

“When this guy’s been healthy, he’s been really, really good,” Mattingly said.


Adams had a 2.89 ERA last season with the Philadelphia Phillies, but was limited to 22 games because of shoulder problems.

His medical history includes multiple shoulder, knee and hernia surgeries, as well as an operation to remove a rib to treat a nerve problem.

Adams will compete for a place on the Dodgers’ major league roster with the likes of Dustin McGowan, Sergio Santos, David Aardsma, David Huff and Chad Gaudin.