The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen was a man short on Sunday due to Joe Kelly being placed on the 15-day injured list minutes before first pitch against the Colorado Rockies.
Kelly last pitched on Wednesday and after playing catch prior to the series finale, said he could be available. However, the Dodgers instead saw it best to put Kelly on the IL in order to allow for his right elbow/forearm inflammation to dissipate.
With an off day Monday, the Dodgers had extra time to decide on who would replace Kelly on their active roster.
According to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times, the Dodgers are going to call up Gus Varland from Triple-A Oklahoma City:
The Dodgers are calling up right-handed reliever Gus Varland, sources tell @latimessports
Varland had been a Brewers Rule 5 pick, but was DFA’d and returned to LAD in May. He has posted a 2.16 ERA in OKC since then
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) August 14, 2023
Varland joining the Dodgers this week is going to present an opportunity to face his former team. The Milwaukee Brewers selected Varland in the 2022 Rule 5 Draft.
Varland was included on the Brewers’ Opening Day roster but struggled to the tune of an 11.42 ERA, 9.52 FIP and 2.65 WHIP in 8.2 innings pitched across eight games. Command was an issue as Varland had more walks (eight) than strikeouts (six).
He spent three weeks on the 15-day IL after being hit in his right hand by a line drive. He was activated for the Brewers’ series against the Dodgers and threw 1.1 scoreless innings in his only appearance.
Varland returned to the Dodgers organization after being designated for assignment by the Brewers and clearing waivers.
With Triple-A Oklahoma City, the 26-year-old has gone 2-1 with a 2.16 ERA and 39 strikeouts over 33.1 innings pitched in 30 games (one start).
The Dodgers will need to make room for Varland on their 40-man roster.
Dodgers pitching staff injuries
The prior to losing Kelly, the Dodgers put Yency Almonte on the 15-day IL because of a right knee sprain. Roberts expressed cautious optimism Almonte and Kelly will both return once eligible to be activated.
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