UPDATE (April 15, 5:30 p.m. PT): The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Ricky Vanasco and optioned J.P. Feyereisen to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were expected to have plenty of starting pitching depth this season but that is being tested early in the year due to multiple injuries.
Walker Buehler is not yet ready to make his 2024 debut that also has been somewhat delayed due to being hit in the right hand by a comebacker, thus extending the length of his rehab assignment. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are also due to be without Emmet Sheehan for an extended period of time because of right forearm inflammation.
Making more of an immediate impact is the Dodgers placed Bobby Miller on the 15-day injured list Saturday due to right shoulder inflammation.
In light of their pitching woes, the Dodgers are expected to recall Landon Knack and Ricky Vanasco from Triple-A Oklahoma City, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
Hearing the Dodgers are planning on calling up Landon Knack to pitch this week, per sources. Would be making his big league debut if he pitches.
I would imagine Kyle Hurt remains a possibility as the Dodgers look for length this week.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) April 15, 2024
Also hearing the Dodgers will be bringing up Ricky Vanasco as a fresh arm in their bullpen, per sources. Would also be making his big league debut if he pitches.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) April 15, 2024
Vanasco and Kyle Hurt are already with the Dodgers and participated in the gathering at the Jackie Robinson statue prior to Monday’s game against the Washington Nationals. This April 15 is the 77th anniversary of Robinson breaking the MLB color barrier by making his debut with Brooklyn.
Hurt made his MLB debut last season and was part of the Dodgers bullpen for the Seoul Series before getting optioned back to Oklahoma City ahead of the Dodger Stadium opener. Although Hurt has exclusively been utilized as a reliever, manager Dave Roberts said the organization views him as a starting pitcher.
Dodgers starting pitching needs
If Hurt does remain in the Dodgers bullpen, that could lead to Knack making his MLB debut by starting. The Dodgers don’t have a listed probable for Tuesday’s game against the Nationals.
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