In a move that would seemingly rule out a return to Los Angeles for Russell Martin and likely send minor-league veteran A.J. Ellis back Triple-A for another season, Tony Jackson of ESPNLA.com reports that the Dodgers are close to signing Dioner Navarro to a one-year deal.
Navarro played for the Dodgers in 2005 and part of 2006 before they sent him to the Rays in a deal for Toby Hall and Mark Hendrickson. He made one All-Star team in Tampa Bay, but never really lived up to his potential while hitting .243/.300/.352 in five seasons.
He debuted with the Dodgers as a 21-year-old top prospect and returns as a 27-year-old backup to Rod Barajas, although Jackson speculates that it could turn into more of an even playing time split.