The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Zach Reks from Triple-A Oklahoma City and placed Edwin Uceta on the 10-day injured list due to a left lumbar strain prior to Saturday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Uceta pitched in the series opener, but only managed to retire two of six batters faced. His struggles led to the Diamondbacks scoring runs on consecutive walks with the bases loaded, one of which came with Uceta still on the mound.
“It’s kind of a byproduct of where our guys are at as far as workload and kind of how things have played out,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of his bullpen decisions in a 5-2 loss.
Uceta is 0-3 with an 8.10 ERA in 11 games (one start) for the Dodgers this season. He has also struggled in minimal time with OKC thus far in 2021, going 0-2 with a 4.97 ERA in four games (two starts).
This marks the first time the right-hander has been placed on the IL in his young career.
Reks is back with the Dodgers for a second time this season. Reks went 0-for-2 in his MLB debut on June 21. The 27-year-old has impressed with Oklahoma City, batting .325 with eight home runs and 29 RBI in 42 games.
Although Reks was only with the Dodgers for one game last month, Roberts forecasted more time up in the Majors for the outfielder. “I don’t expect it to be his last day with us this season so long as he continues to perform like he has been,” Roberts said at the time.
Dodgers limping to All-Star break
Just as the Dodgers were at last getting closer to full health this season, the likes of Victor Gonzalez, Clayton Kershaw and Jimmy Nelson have also landed on the IL this week.
Fortunately for L.A., an MRI revealed Kershaw is only dealing with left forearm/elbow inflammation, and not a more serious injury. Nelson was put on the IL Friday with a left lumbar strain, and Gonzalez is suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Meanwhile, Corey Seager’s long-anticipated return was delayed from potentially early July to after the All-Star break because of lingering soreness in a right hand fracture that has yet to fully heal.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and more!
