Prior to their series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday, the Los Angeles Dodgers placed Clayton Kershaw on the 15-day injured list due to left shoulder soreness and recalled Michael Grove from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Grove made the start in place of Kershaw and enjoyed one of his better outings of the season, allowing one run on five hits over four innings pitched.
It was a much needed confidence booster for Grove, who otherwise has struggled this year. The right-hander began the season on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster, but more recently has been in a state of flux.
Along with being shuttled back and forth from L.A. to OKC, Grove has been utilized in different roles this season, including starting pitcher, opener and high-leverage reliever. “It’s one of those things that kind of comes with the territory,” Grove said.
“I understand what my job is, and I’m trying to eliminate as many excuses as I can and go out there and do what I can.”
Grove previously expressed a willingness to pitch in any role that best suits the Dodgers, following in the footsteps of Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, Ross Stripling and Mitch White in past seasons.
“I think instead of being frustrated, I’m just trying to embrace it as a learning experience with all the different ways I’ve been used out of the bullpen, or on short notice, whatever it is,” Grove explained.
“Later in my career, I will have been in every situation I could be asked to be in, and try to use it that way.”
Michael Grove’s career with Dodgers
In 17 games (14 starts) over the past two seasons with the Dodgers, Grove is 1-2 with a 6.01 ERA, 5.18 FIP and 1.54 WHIP across 41 innings pitched.
The 26-year-old has found more success with Oklahoma City this year, pitching to a 1.80 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 12.6 strikeouts per nine in 10 innings of work across two starts.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
