LOS ANGELES — You won't find the most influential stat of Brandon Gomes' playing career on the back of any baseball card.
During five major league seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays between 2011 and 2015, the right-handed reliever racked up 173 appearances, 144 strikeouts and a 4.20 ERA. He was part of two teams that reached the postseason. He once drew a bases-loaded walk as a hitter, the only time in his career he reached base.
But it was something else that propelled Gomes into his post-playing career as a front-office executive, a second act that reached new heights Tuesday when the Dodgers announced the 37-year-old had been promoted to general manager.
