While Brandon McCarthy was instrumental in the Los Angeles Dodgers pitching a second consecutive shutout against the Chicago Cubs, his outing somewhat curiously came to an end at 79 pitches over six innings.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said postgame McCarthy was removed due to tendinitis in his right knee. The issue crept up around the fourth inning, Roberts added. McCarthy was checked on by Roberts and a trainer after covering first base for the first out in the sixth inning.
He remained in the game and proceeded to strike out the next two batters faced. While Roberts downplayed the matter, McCarthy’s tendinitis is the type of minor injury the Dodgers have nonetheless put a pitcher on the 10-day disabled list for.
Though, the club at present time does not have a starting pitcher ready to come off the DL. McCarthy could temporarily be shelved so that Hyun-Jin Ryu or Julio Urias could slide back into the rotation.
Ryu pitched out of the bullpen on Thursday for the first time in his career with the Dodgers. He hardly looked uncomfortable, recording a three-inning save without allowing a run.
As for McCarthy, he improved to 5-1 with a 3.28 ERA. He limited the Cubs to just two hits, issued one walk and recorded six strikeouts.
The 33-year-old was previously put on the DL this season after dislocating his non-throwing shoulder. McCarthy asserted at the time he was capable of starting without going inactive.
