Dodgers cut ties with Blake, Garland

The Los Angeles Dodgers have declined 2012 club options on infielder Casey Blake and pitcher Jon Garland, both of whom had season-ending surgeries. Blake had a $6 million option. The 38-year-old third baseman had arthritis in his spine that resulted in a pinched nerve, which limited him to 63 games in which he hit .252 with four home runs and 26 RBIs. He was on the disabled list three times. Blake had neck surgery last month and was expected to be sidelined two to three months. Garland, who signed a one-year, $5 million deal, was projected to be the fifth starter before he strained his left side in spring training. He was later sidelined by a shoulder injury. The 32-year-old righty made just nine starts, going 1-5 with a 4.33 ERA. The team also outrighted infielder-outfielder Eugenio Velez to Triple-A Albuquerque.