The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Alex Vesia and optioned Edwin Uceta to their alternate training site before Saturday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Uceta spent two days with the Dodgers after being recalled as the corresponding roster move to Brusdar Graterol being put on the 10-day injured list with right forearm tightness. Uceta then was tabbed to start Friday as an opener for a bullpen game in what was his MLB debut.
He went two innings and allowed four hits, including a two-run home run to Jackie Bradley Jr. that effectively was the difference for the Brewers in their 3-1 win. “I felt really good,” Uceta said after the game.
“Obviously I misfired a couple pitches and didn’t feel as great as I would’ve liked, but it was also very exciting and a great experience to make my debut.”
Uceta took blame for the loss because of Bradley’s home run, considered the outing a valuable learning experience and acknowledged there were some nerves going into the start. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believed that was somewhat of a factor with Uceta’s best pitch.
“I don’t think his changeup showed the way it normally does. He had a couple punchouts, which was good in two innings,” Roberts said. “He just made a mistake to Jackie with the first pitch, ambush fastball. Outside of that it was a fine debut.”
Vesia waits for Dodgers debut
Although Vesia is with the Dodgers for a second time this season, the southpaw has yet to make his debut. He was acquired along with Kyle Hurt in an offseason trade that sent Dylan Floro to the Miami Marlins.
Vesia appeared in five games for the Marlins last year, allowing nine runs and collecting five strikeouts over 4.1 innings. He holds a 1.62 ERA over 52 career Minor League games.
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