The Los Angeles Dodgers continued with their roster shuffling on Friday by optioning Ross Stripling to Triple-A Oklahoma City and recalling Josh Ravin from the organization’s top affiliate. It marked Ravin’s second time joining the Dodgers this season.
It was also a first for Stripling in his joining Oklahoma City. He spent time with them last season as a means of limiting workload in a first full season back from Tommy John surgery.
Stripling had been with the Dodgers since Opening Day. While he reported to Spring Training as a starting pitcher, the right-hander was placed in the bullpen to serve as a long reliever.
However, the 27-year-old filled a myriad roles, including as a high-leverage and late-inning relief pitcher. Stripling has largely succeeded this season but did endure back-to-back subpar outings prior to being optioned.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes the time away will suit Stripling well, via SportsNet LA:
“Number one, it’s to give us coverage through the weekend. And number two, it’s to get Ross right. He’s a part of what we’re doing right now and we need him to be good going forward. Just mentally to get away, to kind of reset will be beneficial for him. We’ll get him back up here.”
The sentiment is similar to one Roberts expressed when the Dodgers sent Josh Fields to Oklahoma City. Sure enough, the right-hander returned soon after and has been an integral part of the Dodgers bullpen.
Stripling was 0-3 with one save, a 2.51 ERA, had 37 strikeouts against seven walks, and allowed just one home run in 32.1 innings through his first 19 games. He allowed a combined seven runs on 10 hits, including two home runs, in just 3.2 innings over his past two games.
On the season, Stripling yields a 4.00 ERA, 2.72 FIP and 1.36 WHIP.
