The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled infielder Chris Taylor from Triple-A Oklahoma City and designated Nick Tepesch for assignment prior to Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Tepesch was called up for a spot start on Friday and largely struggled through four innings. He allowed five runs on seven hits, including one home run, and had three strikeouts. Tepesch signed a Minor League contract with the Dodgers on June 6 — two days after he was granted his release by the Texas Rangers.
Meanwhile, Taylor, who will wear No. 3 with the Dodgers, was acquired in trade that sent Zach Lee to the Seattle Mariners on June 19.
Taylor hit .311/.388/.459 with 19 doubles, four triples, three home runs, 29 RBIs and 12 stolen bases in 63 games with Triple-A Tacoma this season. He gives the Dodgers a more traditional backup at shortstop, a role that’s been filled by Charlie Culberson and Kiké Hernandez thus far.
Taylor appeared in two games with the Mariners this season, going 1-for-3. He’s a career .240/.296/.296 batter in 86 games across parts of three seasons with the Mariners. He played three games with Oklahoma City — two at shortstop and one at third base.
After joining OKC, Taylor went 6-for-12 with three doubles and three RBIs, including 4-for-4 on Thursday. With Tepesch not sticking in the rotation, the Dodgers will need a fifth starter by Wednesday, which could mean a short stint for Taylor.
Mike Bolsinger, Jharel Cotton, Carlos Frias and Ross Stripling are among the conceivable options to fill that spot next week. Cotton is scheduled to start Wednesday for Oklahoma City, which would make for a relatively seamless transition. It would, however, mean his Major League debut.
Frias can’t be recalled unless he’s replacing an injured player because of the 10-day rule when a player is optioned.
