In a season filled with numerous injuries to starting pitchers, the Los Angeles Dodgers were pleased to see the returns of Brandon McCarthy and Hyun-Jin Ryu in July. However, Ryu made only one start before landing on the 15-day disabled list.
He was later moved to the 60-day DL, and a return this season remains in the balance. McCarthy on the other hand performed admirably in his first four starts since coming off the DL.
But he’s struggled mightily in his last three outings, unable to pitch beyond the fourth inning in each of the three starts.
Included in McCarthy’s struggles are setting a career high with five walks, then matching it in his latest start. He also threw multiple pitches to the backstop in the Aug. 7 outing.
That prompted the right-hander to throw a bullpen session Tuesday. “McCarthy had much better command. I think it was a positive for him to work through some mechanics with [pitching coach Rick Honeycutt] and command that fastball,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“Roberts then confirmed prior to the series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies that McCarthy will thrown another bullpen session on Thursday. The Dodgers already changed their probable for Friday, with Ross Stripling replacing Rich Hill.
If the Dodgers elect to go in a different direction on Saturday, their options figure to include Brett Anderson and Julio Urias. Anderson completed a third rehab start on Monday, and Roberts said the club go send the southpaw out for another rehab game, or activate him from the 60-day disabled list.
