With an off-day sandwiched between the conclusion of their homestand and the beginning of a road trip, and the rotation once again in flux, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced a decision and had multiple options for Friday’s series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Having optioned Mike Bolsinger to Triple-A Oklahoma City earlier this week in favor of Carlos Frias, who himself returned to OKC once Yasiel Puig was activated from the 15-day disabled list, the Dodgers were in need of a probable for Friday’s game.
Manager Dave Roberts spent the better of the past two days stating the club hadn’t yet made a decision as to whether they would call up a starter to provide an extra day of rest for the rotation, or simply skip the fifth spot.
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, Los Angeles is expected to promote Nick Tepesch from Oklahoma City:
Sources: #Dodgers to promote Tepesch to pitch against #Pirates on Friday night.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 23, 2016
The Texas Rangers granted Tepesch his release from his Minor League contract on June 4, and he signed with the Dodgers two days later. The 27 year old went 4-2 with a 4.11 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 31 strikeouts and 11 walks in 11 starts (65.2 innings) for Triple-A Round Rock.
Tepesch is 3-0 with a 2.50 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in three starts since joining the Oklahoma City rotation. He gained Major League experience with the Rangers over parts of the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
The right-hander is a career 9-17 with a 4.56 ERA, 4.66 FIP and 1.37 WHIP in 42 Major League games (39 starts). Tepesch missed all of last season due to elbow inflammation, which led to surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in his right side last August.
Tepesche is not on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster, which will require the club to make at least one move to clear room on the active roster.
