The Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen took another hit this week when Garrett Cleavinger was placed on the 10-day injured list with left forearm inflammation. Alex Vesia was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City as the corresponding roster move.
Cleavinger last pitched on Saturday against the Miami Marlins, issuing a walk and recording two outs. Although forearm trouble can be particularly concerning for a pitcher, the Dodgers are optimistic with Cleavinger.
“It’s on the outside of the forearm, so it’s not anything as far as ulnar. It’s something that hasn’t happened with Garrett, but we just wanted to be cautious,” manager Dave Roberts explained.
“I don’t expect it to be a long-term thing. I know Garrett was disappointed, but we appreciate his honesty with his discomfort. Hopefully it won’t be longterm.”
Prior to his forearm trouble, Cleavinger had a brush with injury when he was struck by a line-drive comebacker in the left triceps. He dealt with some soreness and didn’t appear in the next two games but avoided a stint on the IL.
With Cleavinger sidelined for the time being, the Dodgers’ bullpen currently consists of three left-handers. In addition to Vesia, the club has Victor Gonzalez and David Price, who recently was reinstated from the injured list.
Cleavinger is 1-3 with a 4.50 ERA in eight games this season. He was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies last December in a three-team trade that also involved the Tampa Bay Rays.
Price solid in return
Price tossed a scoreless inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday in what marked his first appearance since April 25. The veteran owns a 5.09 ERA in eight games this season but has fared much better since allowing five runs over his first two appearances.
Price has pitched to a 1.29 ERA with 10 strikeouts against two walks over his last seven games dating back to April 13.
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