The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Phil Bickford from the 15-day injured list and optioned Alex Vesia to Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Friday’s game against the Houston Astros.
Bickford landed on the IL on June 3 due to lower back tightness. He’s struggled throughout much of the season thus far, pitching to a 7.33 ERA, 4.57 FIP and 1.63 WHIP across 23 appearances this season.
Bickford had a 5.40 ERA and 2.44 FIP in 15 games before throwing a season-high three innings against the Minnesota Twins on May 15.
Since shouldering that heavy workload to preserve the Dodgers bullpen in extra innings, Bickford allowed at least two runs in four of his last seven appearances.
The right-hander made just one appearance for Oklahoma City while on a rehab assignment, tossing one scoreless inning with one strikeout one June 23.
As for Vesia, he heads to the Minors a second time this season. He too has been a primary culprit of a Dodgers bullpen that’s fallen well short of expectations this season.
Vesia fared well during his first stint with OKC, but continued to be plagued by some inconsistency after getting recalled. Overall this season he’s 0-4 with a 7.58 ERA, 4.22 FIP and 2.42 WHIP across 23 relief appearances.
Vesia did just snap a string of allowing at least one run in four consecutive appearances by throwing a scoreless inning during the Dodgers’ bullpen game in the finale of the Freeway Series. One of the batters he retired was Mike Trout, which Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said was an encouraging development and show of confidence.
Phil Bickford another option for Dodgers
Bickford gives Roberts another right-handed option against the Astros as the team is hoping to provide Evan Phillips another night of rest due to recent usage.
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