The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Mitch White from Triple-A Oklahoma City and designated Kevin Quackenbush for assignment ahead of the series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies. White is starting Thursday’s game at Citizens Bank Park.
He had already been with the team on the taxi squad for the road trip and earmarked to pitch on Thursday. The only question heading into the matchup was whether White would make a spot start or follow an opener.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts described White’s role as being responsible for the “bulk” of the innings. Any length the right-hander can provide in his start will go a long way for a bullpen that carried more of a burden than expected the past two nights because of rain delays.
White is back up for a sixth stint with the Dodgers this season. He’s yet to earn a decision in 15 games (one start) and has pitched to a 3.75 ERA and 1.33 WHIP thus far. White’s first career Major League start came on July 31 and under similar circumstances, but he believed the short notice was a benefit.
Of course, White was among the two roster moves the next day so the Dodgers could activate Mookie Betts off the 10-day injured list and call up Yefry Ramirez.
Quackenbush was DFA’d less than one week after being called up from Oklahoma City. He appeared in one game for L.A. in what marked his first time pitching in the Majors since 2018.
Dodgers probables for Mets series
By using White to start Thursday’s game, the Dodgers are providing Julio Urias and Walker Buehler with extra rest before both face the New York Mets this weekend.
“Every game is important, and the pitcher, individual player, their health is important,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Giving him an extra day, giving Walker an extra day, we just feel that’s the best way to navigate it.
“That was the impetus for that day on Thursday for the bullpen or spot starter.”
Max Scherzer is scheduled to start the series finale at Citi Field, which is an ESPN Sunday Night Baseball broadcast. Scherzer pitched just 3.1 innings in his last start because of the rain delay.
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