The Los Angeles Dodgers announced a couple roster moves ahead of Thursday’s series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks, recalling Yimi Garcia and Tim Locastro from Triple-A Oklahoma City, while Breyvic Valera was optioned to OKC and Hyun-Jin Ryu was placed on the 10-day disabled list.
Ryu suffered a left groin strain and was forced to be removed in the second inning of his start on Wednesday night.
An MRI revealed that the strain was significant enough to warrant a disabled list stint, which is a tough break for Ryu, who was off to a really good start to the season. In six starts, Ryu was 3-0 with 2.12 ERA, 3.16 FIP and 0.88 WHIP while striking out 36 and walking just 10 in 29.2 innings.
Valera’s second stint with the Dodgers this season did not last long. He appeared in just one game, Monday against the Diamondbacks, going 0-for-2.
Garcia began the season on the disabled list as he continued to work his way back from Tommy John surgery. After completing a rehab assignment, he was optioned to Oklahoma City.
In eight games with OKC, Garcia yielded a 3.52 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. He struck out seven batters without issuing a walk over 7.2 innings. Garcia was a reliable reliever for the Dodgers in 2015, so he could greatly bolster Dave Roberts’ bullpen if he can return to that form.
Locastro is known for his speed, as many will remember his name for being called up as a pinch-runner last September and almost earning a spot on the Dodgers postseason roster.
Locastro has the ability to play all over the diamond and in 21 games so far with Oklahoma City, swung the bat extremely well. He hit .342/.448/.507 with five doubles, one home run and six RBI. He has stolen five bases without being caught. Locastro is in the lineup, playing center field and batting eighth for the Dodgers on Thursday.
