With the calendar turning to September and active rosters expanding, the Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Ross Stripling, David Freese and Dylan Floro from the 10-day injured list on Sunday.
Stripling is expected to finish out the season as a reliever but is making the start in the series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dodgers are looking for a win to avoid being swept in the four-game series at Chase Field.
Dustin May, whose turn it would have been to start, will be following Stripling out of the bullpen so he can continue to be tested for a possible relief role on the Dodgers’ postseason roster.
Sunday is Stripling’s first appearance since July 24, as he returns from neck and biceps trouble. In 26 games (12 starts) this season, the right-hander is 4-4 with a 3.64 ERA, 3.92 FIP and 1.17 WHIP while striking out 76 and walking 19 in 76.2 innings.
Considering he is not built up for a full starter’s workload, Stripling will only go two or three innings on Sunday.
Freese had been dealing with a left hamstring strain and is in the lineup on his first day back. The veteran has been one of the Dodgers’ most consistent hitters all season, batting .300/.399/.579 with nine home runs and 27 RBI in 66 games. Freese also has a 1.050 on-base plus slugging percentage with runners in scoring position.
Floro has made just one appearance since Aug. 1 due to a left intercostal strain. He completed a rehab assignment prior to coming off the IL.
In 39 appearances this season, Floro is 4-3 with a 3.89 ERA, 3.79 FIP and 1.30 WHIP with 30 strikeouts and 12 walks in 37 innings. He began the 2019 season with 16 straight scoreless appearances, which the Dodgers would certainly welcome as he competes for a spot on the postseason roster.
Barnes is back with the team after spending an unexpected stretch with them when Russell Martin was placed on the bereavement list. Barnes has endured another trying season at the plate and was demoted to Oklahoma City in late July.
He’s been replaced as the starting catcher by Will Smith. Barnes hit .262/.364/.548 with six doubles, six home runs and 17 RBI in 22 games with OKC.
Alex Verdugo is beginning a rehab assignment this week and could join the Dodgers by Saturday. The club may also soon welcome back Rich Hill and Tyler White, and have reportedly recalled Gavin Lux from Oklahoma City.
