The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Josh Fields from the paternity list on Saturday. The roster move was initially planned for Friday, but the series opener against the San Francisco Giants was postponed due to inclement weather, setting the stage for a doubleheader on April 28.
The right-handed relief pitcher was alongside his wife for the birth of their child for the maximum three days allotted for player to be remain on the paternity list. The Dodgers preemptively cleared room on the active roster for Fields’ return with a series of moves.
Zach Neal, who was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City in place of Fields, was designated for assignment. Corresponding to that, Alec Asher was claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles and optioned to Oklahoma City.
Fields has allowed just one hit and recorded four strikeouts without issuing a walk in three innings across three appearances this season. He last pitched on Monday, throwing one frame in what was a 15-inning marathon against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
As their offense has struggled, the Dodgers pitching has been one of the bright spots. Their opponents’ .600 on-base plus slugging percentage ranks fourth in the Majors, and a 2.58 ERA is good for fifth overall.
Whether Fields and the Dodgers will have an opportunity to begin their three-game series with the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park is not yet known. Inclement weather is threatening to postpone Friday’s game, which could set up a doubleheader on Saturday.
Fields has tossed seven shutout innings in six career games at AT&T Park. The Dodgers and Giants split the four-game Opening Series at Dodger Stadium. That was despite San Francisco scoring just a combined two runs in the series.
