The Los Angeles Dodgers activate Caleb Ferguson off the 10-day injured list and optioned Michael Grove to Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Monday’s series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Ferguson was among the pitchers put on the then-10-day IL when the Dodgers set their Opening Day roster for the 2022 season. Although the left-hander appeared in three Cactus League games, he remained on the mend from Tommy John surgery.
The Dodgers took a deliberate approach since Ferguson underwent the operation in September 2020. His recovery period included a stretch of not being able to directly communicate with the Dodgers’ medical staff because of the MLB lockout.
Ferguson appeared in six games (two starts) while on a rehab assignment with Oklahoma City, going 0-1 with an 11.57 ERA and 2.79 WHIP over 4.2 innings pitched. His time with OKC came to a close with back-to-back scoreless appearances.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ferguson will appear out of the bullpen on Monday night, and is capable of pitching on consecutive days. His availability should aid the Dodgers in getting through a doubleheader Tuesday.
Grove heads to the Minors one day after making his MLB debut. Grove was hurt by Gavin Lux committing an error that led to four unearned runs, but still put together an encouraging outing by getting through 3.2 innings.
“It was crazy,” Grove said of his debut. “I was kind of floating in the first inning or so. They asked me afterwards, ‘Do you even remember the first batter?’ And I was like, ‘You know, bits and pieces.’
“But just really excited for it. It was awesome, I had my family and a couple of friends here too, so it was awesome.”
The option sends Grove to Oklahoma City, which represents his first time joining the affiliate since being selected by the Dodgers in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft. He was added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster this past offseason and joined the club from Double-A Tulsa.
Dodgers pitching plans
Despite being in the midst of a difficult stretch in their schedule, Roberts believes the Dodgers bullpen is in good standing with respect to high-leverage options.
As for the doubleheader against the Diamondbacks, Tyler Anderson is scheduled to start the nightcap. The Dodgers have not yet decided on a starter for the afternoon game, but Ryan Pepiot is the presumed favorite.
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