The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Alex Vesia from their alternate training site ahead of Saturday’s game against the San Diego Padres. Matt Beaty was optioned as the corresponding roster move, giving the team 14 pitchers on their active roster and a short bench.
Vesia is with the Dodgers for the first time this season. He was acquired along with Kyle Hurt in a February trade that sent Dylan Floro to the Miami Marlins.
There was some thought Vesia would become one of the left-handed relief pitchers the Dodgers include on their Opening Day roster, but he was among the team’s early cuts during Spring Training.
Vesia made his MLB debut with the Marlins last season, allowing 10 runs (nine earned) in 4.1 innings pitched over five games.
There had been some expectation Brusdar Graterol would be activated off the 10-day injured list on Saturday as well, which Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said still remained possible for the series finale at Petco Park.
Roberts previously outlined a scenario with which Graterol would be reinstated at some point during the weekend series and the decision would be based on bullpen usage. L.A. needed six relief pitchers during the 12-inning game on Friday, but that wasn’t enough for Graterol’s return to be made official.
“I think the bullpen was used, but I wouldn’t say depleted,” Roberts said Saturday.
Beaty has struggled to generate any momentum in minimal opportunities over 10 games this season. He’s made just one start and collected one hit while striking out six times in 13 at-bats.
Dodgers short bench
On top of swapping out a position player for a pitcher, the Dodgers’ bench is limited in the sense that Gavin Lux and AJ Pollock are both dealing with a minor injury.
Including Saturday, Lux has been out of the lineup the past three games because of right wrist soreness. Pollock is on the mend after being removed Thursday due to left groin tightness, and is expected to start Sunday.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, participate in our shows and giveaways, and more!
