The Los Angeles Dodgers selected the contract of Wander Suero from Triple-A Oklahoma City and optioned Gavin Stone prior to the series opener against the San Diego Padres on Friday night.
Suero went 2-0 with five saves, a 1.69 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in 10 games for OKC so far this season. He had eight strikeouts but also issued five walks during 10.2 innings pitched, while also limiting opposing hitters to a .139 batting average.
The Dodgers signed Suero to a Minor League contract back in January. His joining the Dodgers also brings their 40-man roster full.
Suero impressed during his first Spring Training with the Dodgers, posting a 1.17 ERA and 0.78 WHIP in eight Cactus League games.
The 31-year-old has previous MLB experience with Washington Nationals from 2018-2021. Suero spent the 2022 season pitching for the Los Angeles Angels’ Triple-A Salt Lake affiliate. He finished the year 2-3 with two saves, a 6.08 ERA and 1.86 WHIP in 20 Minor League games.
The Dodgers swapping Stone out for a relief pitcher is resulting adjustments to their starting rotation next week, but manager Dave Roberts saw it beneficial to fortify the bullpen.
“To get Wander here to do whatever we want, pitch in any situation, is going to be helpful,” Roberts said.
Stone now heads back to Oklahoma City two days after making his MLB debut. The outing included some growing pains, but the heralded prospect enjoyed getting to face Bryce Harper and a talented Philadelphia Phillies lineup.
The Dodgers are scheduled to finish their series with the Padres by having Dustin May and Julio Urías start the two remaining games at Petco Park.
Tony Gonsolin is on track to start Monday against the Milwaukee Brewers, followed by Noah Syndergaard and Clayton Kershaw. Had Stone remained up with the team, he was penciled in to face the Brewers on Wednesday, lining up Kershaw for a second consecutive start against the Padres.
Dodgers bullpen possibly losing Ferguson
The Dodgers paternity list for the 2023 season is primed to add another member in Caleb Ferguson at a moment’s notice.
“You just don’t know what’s going to happen. I know his wife is doing well, ready to have the baby. We’re just kind of waiting like everybody else is,” Roberts said. “Once it happens, we’re just going to read and react, and figure out what the corresponding move would be.”
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