The Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday recalled Walker Buehler from High-A Rancho Cucamonga and added Breyvic Valera to the active roster as the 26th man that’s permitted for this weekend’s Mexico Series against the San Diego Padres. To make room for Buehler, left-handed reliever Edward Paredes was optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
With the three games being played internationally and as part of a league-arranged venture, the Dodgers and Padres were allowed to add an extra player to their respective rosters. The only guideline being that it could not be a pitcher.
Buehler starts in Friday’s series opener at Estadio de Béisbol Monterrey. It’s his third career outing for the Dodgers, all of which have come this season and seemingly on a regular turn in the rotation.
Buehler made his first career MLB start against the Miami Marlins on April 23, started five days later at AT&T Park, and now takes the mound on an extra day of rest.
He began the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, going 1-0 with a 2.77 ERA in three starts before joining the Dodgers. Buehler has yet to return to Oklahoma City, however, as the club optioned their top pitching prospect to Rancho Cucamonga after each of his last two starts.
Buehler may stick with the team this time around, as Hyun-Jin Ryu is on the 10-day disabled list due to a groin strain that is expected to sideline him until after the All-Star break.
This also marks Valera’s third stint with the Dodgers. He first was recalled from OKC on April 15, to take the place of Logan Forsythe. Valera was optioned back to Triple-A two days later, was recalled April 30, and returned to the Minors in the form of a paper move on Thursday. Valera is 0-for-3 with one walk and has appeared in three games for the Dodgers.
Paredes’ first stint of the season with the Dodgers did not last long, he only appeared in one game on Thursday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He recorded two outs, only allowing one batter to reach by on a hit by pitch.
