The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Brandon McCarthy from the 10-day disabled list and optioned Brett Eibner to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make room for the right-hander on the active roster. McCarthy starts Monday against the San Francisco Giants in the opener of a three-game series at AT&T Park.
Eibner has appeared in five games (three starts) over three stints with the Dodgers. He’s gone 3-for-10 with one home run and two RBI during that span. The move leaves the Dodgers with 13 pitchers and 12 position players on their 25-man roster; including a four-man bench.
McCarthy was put on the DL on May 8, retroactive to May 5, due to left shoulder soreness. McCarthy dislocated his non-throwing shoulder during a kettlebell exercise. “It’s just to be cautious,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said at the time of placing McCarthy on the disabled list.
The 33-year-old was slated to start May 7 against the San Diego Padres, but the afternoon affair at Petco Park was rained out and postponed to September. Rather than bump the rotation back one day, the Dodgers elected to provide McCarthy with a break.
“Each day (of rest) is a benefit (for the shoulder), as I understand it,” Roberts said. McCarthy, visibly frustrated by the decision, remained adamant he was capable of pitching.
The right-hander went on to prove as much during a simulated game at Dodger Stadium last Wednesday. He threw 60 pitches over four innings.
McCarthy this season is 3-0 with a 3.10 ERA, 3.55 FIP and 1.21 WHIP in five starts.
