The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Mitch White from the injured list and optioned Luke Raley to their alternate training site ahead of Thursday’s series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers. White, along with Victor Gonzalez, had been placed on the COVID-related IL this week.
It was a result of the two relief pitchers being among the Dodgers who received the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination and experiencing side effects. Players put on the COVID injured list are permitted to return before the minimum 10 days with a standard IL stint. Gonzalez was activated Wednesday.
With White being activated and Raley removed from the roster, the Dodgers again have 14 pitchers available. That’s notable in that the team is planning on deploying a bullpen game for Friday’s matchup.
A designated starter will be determined after the Dodgers can evaluate who was needed in the series opener. “There’s a lot of options as far as who’s going to start the game,” manager Dave Roberts said.
White was recalled on Monday and made his 2021 debut against the Cincinnati Reds that night, throwing 1.2 innings. He has history as a starter, but the Dodgers expect to continue utilizing the right-hander out of the bullpen.
Raley was recalled on the day of the Dodgers’ home opener when Cody Bellinger was put on the 10-day IL with what now has been diagnosed as a hairline fracture in his left fibula. Raley made his MLB debut that afternoon and has appeared in 14 games so far this season.
He memorably hit a home run against the San Diego Padres to help the Dodgers get a win at Petco Park. “It’s exciting. You have a rush the whole time, and it’s something I look forward to being a part of more,” Raley said of the moment.
The 26-year-old has otherwise struggled during his first big league experience, batting .206/.308/.324 with one double, one home run, one RBI, two walks and 12 strikeouts.
Dodgers avoid injury with Cleavinger
Having already lost several players to injury this season, the Dodgers faced another potential loss when Garrett Cleavinger was hit by a line drive in his left tricep on Wednesday. Fortunately for L.A., Cleavinger only dealt with some soreness and remains available.
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