The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to activate Michael Grove off the 15-day injured list for a start Saturday against the New York Yankees. He has been out since April 21 with a right groin strain.
Grove was back with the Dodgers at the start of their homestand on Monday and threw a bullpen session at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday.
Prior to announcing Grove as the probable starter, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said early in the week he “makes a lot of sense” to fill the spot in the rotation that was vacated when Gavin Stone was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Grove is 0-1 with an 8.44 ERA and 1.75 WHIP in four starts this season. However, nine of his 15 earned runs allowed came during a rough outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 9.
Grove was included in the Dodgers’ Opening Day rotation because of injuries Tony Gonsolin and Ryan Pepiot suffered. Gonsolin sprained his left ankle during Spring Training and was slow to recover, which created an opportunity for Pepiot.
Pepiot wound up experiencing oblique trouble after his final tuneup and began the season on the 15-day IL as well. The initial belief was Pepiot would make a quick return, but he has since been transferred to the 60-day IL and won’t return until some time after the All-Star break.
The Dodgers will need to make a roster move in order to activate Grove, which presumably will entail sending a relief pitcher to Oklahoma City. The Dodgers roster currently features nine relievers due to Alex Vesia getting recalled when Grove was optioned back to Triple-A.
Dodgers probables for the Yankees series are Clayton Kershaw, Grove and Bobby Miller.
Michael Grove impressed on rehab assignment
The 26-year-old made two rehab starts with OKC, pitching a combined 10 innings and allowing just two runs while collecting 14 strikeouts against just one walk.
Grove’s fastball velocity was up in both outings.
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