In reinstating Brandon McCarthy from the 60-day disabled list, the Los Angeles Dodgers predictably optioned Brock Stewart to Triple-A Oklahoma City to clear a spot on the active roster. However, that also left the club needing to make room for McCarthy on the 40-man roster.
That was completed by Cuban right-hander Yaisel Sierra being sent outright to the Minors. Sierra signed a six-year, $30 million contract with the Dodgers in February, which included a $6 million signing bonus. The substantial contract presumably played a role in the 25 year old clearing waivers.
Paperwork issues prevented Sierra from reporting to Camelback Ranch until March 1. That put him behind other pitchers who began their Spring Training workouts roughly two weeks earlier.
Sierra has struggled through 11 starts with High-A Rancho Cucamonga this season, going 4-4 with a 7.16 ERA, 17 walks and 48 strikeouts over 49 innings pitched.
In other roster news, the Dodgers also sent Layne Somsen outright to the Minors after he cleared waivers. Los Angeles claimed Somsen off waivers from the New York Yankees on June 22.
He was designated for assignment on Friday when the Dodgers called up Will Venable to fill the roster spot of Joc Pederson, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right AC joint.
Meanwhile, Ian Thomas, who was designated for assignment to make room for Bud Norris on the 40-man roster, has been released from the organization. Thomas had a 4.00 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 18 innings over nine games (one start) with the Dodgers last season.
He owned a 2.37 ERA in eight games (two starts) with Oklahoma City this year.
