The Los Angeles Dodgers announced ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks that they have recalled left-handed reliever Edward Paredes and as a corresponding move, right-hander Brock Stewart was optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Stewart’s first stint of the season with the Dodgers did not last long, as he was called up before Monday’s series opener against Arizona.
The Dodgers opted to start reliever Ross Stripling in Monday’s game instead of Stewart, who had been starting in Oklahoma City. Stewart was the first reliever out of the bullpen though, tossing 1.2 innings of relief and giving up three hits and a run while striking out three and walking one.
Paredes should be a familiar face for Dodgers fans as the southpaw made his Major League debut with the Dodgers in 2017. He appeared in 10 games, and was quite effective, yielding a 3.24 ERA, 2.08 FIP and 0.96 WHIP. He struck out 11 without issuing a walk in 8.1 innings of work.
The 31-year-old has gotten off to a good start to the 2018 campaign with Oklahoma City. In nine appearances, he has pitched to a 1.86 ERA and 1.55 WHIP while striking out 10 in 9.2 innings. He has had some control problems though, issuing seven walks on the season.
Left-handed hitters have not had much luck against Paredes so far this season, going 3-for-14 (.214 batting average), while striking out 50 percent of the time.
With fellow lefty relievers Scott Alexander, now back at Oklahoma City, and Tony Cingrani struggling as of late, Paredes has an opportunity to pitch himself into a consistent role in manager Dave Roberts’ bullpen.
