Dodgers add Gutierrez to already loaded roster

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Although Franklin Gutierrez officially joined the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday afternoon, the veteran outfielder had already been working out at their spring training complex for two days.

The Dodgers reached a deal with him last week, but they couldn't formally announce his arrival because they hadn't been able to clear a spot for him on their 40-man roster until they traded veteran left-hander Vidal Nuno to Baltimore for a prospect on Sunday.

The Dodgers' extraordinary depth is a luxury for manager Dave Roberts, but it also means spring training is uncommonly important as they begin the difficult process of trimming this roster to a 25-man group.

For instance, Roberts can choose among 10 legitimate big-league starters for his five-man rotation. The club also must make tough calls from the bullpen to the outfield, and the process takes another step forward Tuesday with the first full-squad workout.

"You could say that we have more depth," Roberts said Monday. "You could argue that. I think that's a good thing. ... The confidence that we have in our clubhouse is real. We've got some pretty good players."

The Dodgers entered spring training with a roster so deep that they couldn't immediately announce the signing of Gutierrez or the return of Chase Utley. The well-liked veteran infielder is likely to play a utility role this season because Los Angeles already improved its infield by acquiring second baseman Logan Forsythe from Tampa Bay in a trade for pitching prospect Jose De Leon.

Los Angeles' struggles against left-handed pitching last season were perhaps the only major blot on its resume, so the Dodgers went out and got Gutierrez, described by Roberts as ''a lefty killer.'' Gutierrez is a career .289 hitter against lefties.

The Dodgers didn't hesitate to trade Nuno, a proven big-league reliever acquired in November, because they're loaded with left-handed relief talent.

Gutierrez was once a top prospect for the Dodgers, and he went to Los Angeles' spring training in 2003 with Roberts, who was a Dodgers outfielder.

''He was a lot lighter back then, but always a really good athlete, good defender,'' Roberts said. ''It's nice that we do have some history, and I was excited to get him signed. He looks great.''