The Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Gavin Stone to Triple-A Oklahoma City and recalled Alex Vesia prior to Tuesday’s game against the Washington Nationals.
Vesia returns to the Dodgers bullpen nearly one month after he was sent down as the corresponding move to the Dodgers recalling Stone for his MLB debut. The roster decision was largely a byproduct of Vesia going 0-2 with a 7.84 ERA, 3.46 FIP and 2.81 WHIP through 13 appearances for L.A. thus far.
He’s allowed 23 hits and issued six walks while collecting 15 strikeouts over 10.1 innings.
“I think he was falling behind a lot to both left and right, wasn’t able to finish guys with the breaking ball or the fastball,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained at the time. “Just wasn’t as consistent as we need him to be, or as we’ve seen him.
“He needs to catch his breath. I believe we’re still a better ballclub with him on the team, so what can we do in the short term to get him back to being the pitcher we know he’s capable of?”
The left-handed reliever had a bumpy debut with Oklahoma City, retiring just one batter and allowing five runs on four hits, including two home runs.
However, Vesia followed that with 18 strikeouts in 9.1 innings and just one unearned run allowed over his last nine appearances with OKC. That was more in line with what the 27-year-old has provided since being traded to the Dodgers.
From 2021-22, Vesia pitched 94.1 innings for the Dodgers, posting a 2.19 ERA, 3.01 FIP, 1.06 WHIP and 34.8% strikeout rate.
Alex Vesia, Gavin Stone start Dodgers roster churning
Vesia gives the Dodgers nine relief pitchers on their active roster, but that should change come the weekend. Stone was lined up to start against the New York Yankees, although Roberts had already indicated the team was going to evaluate what the best course of action is.
Albeit facing talented lineups of the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays, Stone has struggled through the first three starts of his Major League career.
Stone has yet to earn a decision and allowed a combined 17 runs (16 earned) on 23 hits and seven walks in just 10 innings pitched.
The Dodgers likely will activate Michael Grove off the 15-day injured list to start Saturday against the Yankees, which will require another roster move.
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