In electing to option Carlos Frias back to Triple-A Oklahoma City when Yasiel Puig was activated from the 15-day disabled list, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced a decision in their starting rotation coming out of the off-day.
True to what’s been the norm this season, Los Angeles called on a spot-starter to give the regulars in their rotation an extra day of rest. However, rather than promoting any of their heralded prospects, the Dodgers handed the ball to Nick Tepesch.
He was granted his release by the Texas Rangers on June 4, and signed a Minor-League contract with the Dodgers two days later. Tepesch’s selection over the likes of Frankie Montas became clear Friday morning with a report Montas suffered another rib injury.
He was projected to miss four to eight weeks, though the Dodgers have not confirmed such a timetable. In discussing the matter, manager Dave Roberts said the hard-throwing right-hander will undergo additional testing to determine the extent of his injury, via Time Warner Cable SportsNet LA:
“Part of what he had before, similar injury, probably the same thing. I know we’re going to do some more testing to figure out if surgery is needed. I don’t know about his (timetable for) return. I know for me, as I learned about it, I was disappointed. I honestly right now don’t know the extent of it.”
Montas underwent rib resection surgery in February, and began the 2016 season on the 60-day disabled list. He made six rehab appearances — split evenly with Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City — prior to being activated from the DL on June 12.
Montas managed to make just one start with Oklahoma City before landing back on the disabled list on Monday, though it was retroactive to June 17, because of irritation near the area of the incision from his surgery. There was talk in recent weeks Montas would soon make his way onto the Major League roster.
