In electing to reinstate Mike Bolsinger from the disabled list for a spot start last week, the Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Charlie Culberson to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
That left the club with a four-man bench, though manager Dave Roberts expressed little concern over it considering the Dodgers were slated for two games in an American League ballpark. Bolsinger was optioned the afternoon after his start, with Chin-Hui Tsao getting the call to provide a fresh arm in the bullpen.
Prior to opening a weekend series against the San Diego Padres, Roberts said he was set to stick with an eight-man bullpen through the series with the Cincinnati Reds. Tsao subsequently landed on the disabled list due to a right triceps strain, and Ross Stripling was optioned to Oklahoma City.
However, both roster spots were assumed by two more pitchers — Bolsinger, so he could start Tuesday in place of Stripling, and Luis Avilan, effectively replacing Tsao in the bullpen. On Tuesday, Roberts revealed the Dodgers will stick with a short bench throughout their seven-game road trip to New York and Chicago.
“We’re managing to get through with a four-man bench. It gives us flexibility in the bullpen with different guys, which is more of a priority,” explained Roberts of the decision. The short bench somewhat caught up to the Dodgers during their 17-inning marathon against the Padres.
Along with Stripling being pressed into relief action, Clayton Kershaw was used as a pinch-hitter once Roberts burned through his position players.
While Kershaw gave the bullpen a much-needed breather on Monday by going the distance in a third complete-game shutout this month, multiple relievers have still seen plenty of action as of late.
The Dodgers conclude a stretch of 20 games in 20 days on Wednesday, and have another off-day on Thursday, June 9, after playing 13 straight.
