The Los Angeles Dodgers selected the contract of Kevin Pillar and recalled Michael Grove from Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Saturday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Max Muncy was placed on the 10-day injured list due to left elbow inflammation and Ryan Pepiot was optioned as the corresponding roster moves. Also, the Dodgers transferred Tommy Kahnle to the 60-day IL to make room for Pillar on the 40-man roster.
Pillar has been with the team in Arizona as a member of the Dodgers’ taxi squad in the event Muncy needed to go on the IL.
Pillar signed a Minor League contract with the Dodgers during Spring Training and believes the organization is the best fit at this stage in his career. He had a strong showing during the spring but began the season with Oklahoma City.
“He’s a guy I love watching and admire. To see him in a Dodger uniform, it looks right,” manager Dave Roberts said in April. “He’s a Major League player. Fortunately for the Dodgers, he’s open to taking an assignment to Triple-A.
“But there’s no doubt in my mind he’ll come up and help us at some point.”
While this marks Pillar’s first stint with the Dodgers, Grove is back up with team for a second time. He was called up earlier this month for a spot start against the Philadelphia Phillies. Grove allowed four runs (all unearned) and had three strikeouts over 3.2 innings in his MLB debut.
“It was crazy. I was kind of floating in the first inning or so,” Grove said after the start. “They asked me afterward, ‘Do you even remember the first batter?’ And I was like, ‘Bits and pieces.’ But just really excited for it. It was awesome.”
Dodgers continue shuffling Pepiot
Pepiot again heads back to the Minors one day after making a third start for L.A. He’s allowed four runs, walked 11 and collected 13 strikeouts over 11.1 innings pitched in those outings.
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