The Los Angeles Dodgers transferred Tom Koehler to the 60-day disabled list in a corresponding move to acquiring Jesus Liranzo from the Baltimore Orioles. The Dodgers’ 40-man roster is full with the addition of Liranzo.
Koehler, who was signed to a one-year contract during the offseason, appeared in just two Cactus League games before suffering an anterior capsule strain in his right shoulder. He began the season on the 10-day DL, which is still retroactive to March 26 with Monday’s paper move.
While Koehler will avoid shoulder surgery, when he might return is unknown. At the time of being diagnosed with the injury, the right-hander said the recovery could take weeks or months.
With the Dodgers embarking on a six-game road-trip, Koehler, along with Justin Turner, are headed for Camelback Ranch to continue with their respective rehab programs.
At last check, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Koehler had not yet picked up a baseball. Roberts wasn’t certain when that would change.
Like Joe Blanton and Brandon Morrow, the 31-year-old was hoping to become the latest starting pitcher to find success with the Dodgers out of the bullpen. Koehler sported a 7.42 ERA in 60.2 innings as a starter last season, compared to a 3.00 ERA in 12 innings as a reliever.
Moreover, his strikeout rate increased from 7.6 to 8.3 percent after his move to the bullpen with the Toronto Blue Jays.
