As the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen was struggling to tread water without Kenley Jansen, one means to remedy the issue was calling on Kenta Maeda and Ross Stripling to help stabilize the unit.
However, Stripling was grounded before he could so much as make one appearance. Between the time Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced the right-hander was shifting to a relief role and when Stripling was available to pitch after starting, he landed on the 10-day disabled list.
Although Stripling said an MRI revealed compressed discs in his back, he was optimistic a return by Friday was feasible. Roberts wasn’t nearly as certain, but he also didn’t sound overly concerned when discussing Stripling’s injury.
While it appears unlikely he will be activated Friday, Stripling nonetheless will throw off a mound and hopes to then progress to a simulated game by the weekend, according to David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio:
Ross Stripling said he will throw off the mound tomorrow to test his back, if it responds well, the plan is to pitch a simulated game on Friday. Stripling is hopeful to be activated over the weekend vs #Padres
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) August 22, 2018
The urgency with which the Dodgers needed Stripling in the bullpen has subsided a bit as Jansen was reinstated Monday. Moreover, Stripling’s stay there may have been short-lived in any manner.
When discussing the move, Roberts said the club intended to insert Stripling back into the rotation in a timely manner.
