The Los Angeles Dodgers transferred Victor González to the 60-day injured list to make room on the 40-man roster for Shane Greene, who was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday.
Additionally, Garrett Cleavinger and Reyes Moronta were optioned to Triple-A to make room on the active roster.
Although González is now on the 60-day IL, it hasn’t changed his timeline to return to the club.
The left-hander had a strong spring and looked like a lock for the bullpen, but he started suffering from left elbow inflammation prior to the season beginning and was placed on the 10-day IL when the Dodgers set their Opening Day Roster.
The 26-year-old underwent a cleanup procedure on his elbow Wednesday that will keep him out of action longer than they previously anticipated, but everything went well with his surgery and he should return this season.
“From what I hear, he’s as good as expected,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “And they’re very hopeful that a return at some point in time this year is most likely.”
After a breakout season in 2020, González struggled last year and it was largely attributed to dealing with left plantar fasciitis and later right knee inflammation. González also dealt with weight gain but corrected that this past offseason by changing his diet and workout routine.
That translated into a phenomenal Spring Training as González looked to return to his 2020 form when he was arguably the best reliever in the Dodgers bullpen.
Although the surgery went well, there is still no set timetable for González to come off the IL. Elbow injuries, even minor procedures, can sometimes be tricky for pitchers and the last thing the Dodgers would want to do is rush him back.
“I’m hesitant to say when but I just know that the later part of the year, late August. Something like that,” Roberts added.
Shane Greene joins Dodgers bullpen
Greene first joined the organization last year after he was designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves.
He pitched to a 4.05 ERA, 6.62 FIP and 1.20 WHIP in 6.2 innings pitched over nine appearances for L.A. and was DFA’d in late September. Greene re-signed with the Dodgers on a Minor League contract this past March.
He’s struggled with Oklahoma City, posting a 5.87 ERA and 2.22 WHIP over seven games.
With the addition of Greene, the Dodgers at minimum have an option out of the bullpen who hasn’t pitched since May 10.
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