The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Caleb Ferguson and optioned Michael Grove to Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Thursday’s series opener against the New York Mets.
This marks a second time Grove has been optioned since making his MLB debut against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 15. The Dodgers’ pitching prospect joined the Major League roster from Double-A Tulsa, but has yet to return there.
Grove has only made one start for Oklahoma City thus far, allowing two runs over 4.1 innings. He went 0-1 with a 2.76 ERA and 0.98 WHIP while holding opponents to a .180 batting average over five starts for the Drillers this season.
Although Grove is a starter, he appeared out of the bullpen in Wednesday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The relief appearance was somewhat of a rocky one as the 25-year-old allowed the Pirates to break the game open with three runs in the ninth inning.
Ferguson was at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained a roster move wasn’t expected until the Mets series was beginning due to the potential of needing some length from Grove if Mitch White had a short outing.
Wednesday was the first day Ferguson was eligible to be recalled after being optioned to Oklahoma City on May 17.
Ferguson began the season on the 10-day injured list as he still was going through the rehab process from Tommy John surgery in September 2020. Ferguson threw 15 pitches in a scoreless inning during his lone appearance for L.A. so far this season.
He’s 0-1 with a 7.36 ERA over 10 games (two starts) with OKC, and last pitched for the affiliate on Sunday.
Ferguson finding rhythm
With how much time the left-hander missed because of the Tommy John recovery process, some rust was expected. Since allowing three runs on May 8, Ferguson followed that with seven consecutive scoreless appearances in Triple-A.
“I think that with Fergie, it was just trying to find consistency with the delivery,” Roberts said on Wednesday. “I think the fastball wasn’t there command-wise, the curveball was inconsistent. But I think even it was last Friday, I think he had an immaculate inning. So the curveball is key for him.
“It’s a mid-90s fastball with characteristics. But if he can strike the breaking ball, he’s tough versus left and versus right.”
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
