The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Caleb Ferguson on the 10-day injured list with an oblique issue and activated Rich Hill on Sunday. Hill is starting the series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates in what’s his 2019 debut.
He began the season on the 10-day injured list due to a strained MCL in his left knee. Hill suffered the injury near the end of what wound up being his final Cactus League start on March 17. Pain persisted in a bullpen session two days later, which prompted an MRI that revealed the injury.
Although Hill was unable to begin the season on the active roster, he managed to keep his arm in shape by playing in catch. He steadily built up to throwing off a mound, beginning with a bullpen session and eventually a simulated game.
A rehab assignment followed and it wound up taking Hill back to Camelback Ranch because inclement weather prevented him from pitching for Triple-A Oklahoma City or Double-A Tulsa in a second start.
Hill was a bit frustrated given he felt prepared to return after pitching four innings for High-A Rancho Cucamonga, and he wound up recording 16 strikeouts during his game in extended Spring Training.
Ferguson heads to Oklahoma City for the first time this season. His inclusion on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster marked a career-first for the 22-year-old. Ferguson appeared in 13 games (one start) and went 0-1 with a 3.46 ERA, 6.29 FIP and 1.69 WHIP.
Ferguson last pitched in Saturday’s comeback win against the Pirates, but struggled mightily. He issued a leadoff walk, allowed a single, walked another batter, and was removed with the bases loaded and nobody out.
Pedro Baez bailed the Dodgers out by retiring all three batters faced to leave the bases loaded.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts surmised it was plausible Ferguson’s injury was a factor in his subpar appearance. Though, his struggles date back to several appearances prior.
“I don’t know if it’s a physical thing, I don’t know if it’s a mechanical thing. I do know there’s an execution component,” Roberts said.
“If you look at the radar gun, it’s been very consistent. But then now you kind of layer in execution or mechanics, and that’s where the issues have been for me. He’s got great stuff, good competitor. But when you hit a right-hander with a breaking ball, things like that just don’t add up with what he’s capable of doing.”
