The Los Angeles Dodgers are just over halfway through a stretch of playing 13 consecutive off days, which has placed a strain on their pitching staff.
Further complicating matters is a lack of consistency from starters providing length. Moreover, River Ryan became the latest Dodgers pitcher lost to injury this season as he needs to undergo Tommy John surgery.
To help mitigate some of the pressure on their rotation, the Dodgers are recalling Justin Wrobleski from Triple-A Oklahoma City to make a spot start Friday. Bobby Miller was scheduled to start for the Oklahoma City Baseball Club, but he was scratched in the event the Dodgers need another option.
During an appearance on MLB Network Radio, manager Dave Roberts explained the decision with Miller stemmed from multiple Dodgers pitchers not quite being 100%:
“A couple of our guys are just kind of, a little not feeling great. So we wanted to kind of hold Bobby back in case we need him. We might need him for the weekend, but it’s not certain yet.”
With Wrobleski taking the ball in the series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals, it pushed Tyler Glasnow back one day to provide him with extra rest.
Glasnow threw 98 pitches over seven innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Aug. 11. That start also came on extra rest and was his fourth outing since returning from a stint on the 15-day injured list because of lower back tightness.
Clayton Kershaw remains on track to start the series finale at Busch Stadium, which also is going to be on extra rest because of Wrobleski being dropped into the rotation. Kershaw held the Milwaukee Brewers to just one run and had six strikeouts over 5.2 innings.
Injured Dodgers pitchers
While Roberts did not provide additional details on Miller’s potential role, it presumably would be to start. To this point, there has not been any public indication Glasnow or Kershaw are dealing with an injury.
It’s possible the Dodgers would look to make a roster move with Gavin Stone, who had struggled for a prolonged stretch before turning in a strong start against the Brewers.
Another option, albeit less likely, is Miller joining the Dodgers bullpen to help provide relief for the taxed group.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
