The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Sheldon Neuse and optioned Darien Nuñez prior to Wednesday’s game against the San Francisco Giants. The roster move gave them an even split of 13 pitchers and 13 position players, though health remains an issue.
Justin Turner is available to pinch-hit one night after being hit by a pitch in his left knee, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated he would prefer for a full day of rest. Roberts noted he likely would have rested Turner on Wednesday any how.
Meanwhile, Mookie Betts continues to be bothered by right hip irritation that now has kept him out of the lineup the past four games. Betts did make a pinch-hit appearance on Monday but is a candidate to go on the 10-day injured list.
There also is the potential for Max Muncy to leave the team at a moment’s notice as his wife is due to give birth to their first child.
As for Neuse, he is back with the team for a second time this season. He’s appeared in 28 games for the Dodgers thus far, batting .172/.186/.345 with one double, three home runs and four RBI.
Neuse has fared better for Oklahoma City, hitting .282/.363/.409 with four doubles, five home runs and 24 RBI in 38 games.
The Dodgers acquired Neuse, along with Gus Varland, in a February trade that sent Adam Kolarek and Cody Thomas to the Oakland Athletics.
Nuñez returns to the Minors one night after making his first career start. He threw two innings in an opener role and on the season has appeared in four games for L.A. Nuñez is 0-1 and allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits in six innings pitched across four appearances (one start).
The 28-year-old has additionally spent time with Double-A Tulsa and OKC this year, going a combined 5-0 with a 2.70 ERA and 1.03 WHIP.
McKinney joining Dodgers on Thursday
Also on Wednesday, the Dodgers traded Minor League outfielder Carlos Rincon to the New York Mets for Billy McKinney, who will join the team and be added to the active roster for the series finale against the Giants.
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