Dodgers Sign Blowers, Astacio, Milt Thompson

The Dodgers avoided arbitration by signing third baseman Mike Blowers and pitcher Pedro Astacio to one-year contracts Friday. They also signed left-handed-hitting outfielder Milt Thompson to a minor league contract.

Blowers, who was hoping to sign a multiyear deal after being traded by the Seattle Mariners, instead signed the one-year deal for $2.3 million. Astacio, the leading candidate to become the fifth starter, will receive $1.1 million.

The Dodgers, who have 15 players under contract for about $31 million, also received good news when team physicians said all-star right fielder Raul Mondesi is fit to play. Mondesi, who has lost about 15 pounds, underwent arthroscopic surgery for cartilage damage in his right knee in October.

Thompson, 37, who played last season for the Houston Astros, will probably be used as a fifth outfielder if he makes the team. He batted .220 last season with two homers in 132 at-bats but is a lifetime .280 pinch-hitter. Dodger pinch-hitters batted a league-low .198 last season.

“The more I learned of Milt, the more interested I was,” said Fred Claire, Dodger executive vice president. “He knows the role we were looking for, and he has a great, great reputation. He can have a very positive influence.”