The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Caleb Ferguson off the paternity list and optioned Wander Suero back to Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to the series opener against the San Diego Padres.
Per MLB roster rules, Ferguson was required to return Friday after missing the maximum three days on paternity leave. His absence could have been extended, but only if an additional move, such as being transferred to the bereavement list or family medical emergency list.
Fortunately, Ferguson and his wife Carissa welcomed their first child, a son, without issue. Brooks Robert Ferguson was born on May 9, per an Instagram announcement made by Carisa.
Although Ferguson was not put on the paternity list until Tuesday, he rejoins the Dodgers after missing the entire Milwaukee Brewers series. He was with the team in San Diego last weekend but did not travel with them due to Carissa already being past her expected date.
“You just don’t know what’s going to happen,” manager Dave Roberts said at Petco Park. “I know his wife is doing well, ready to have the baby. We’re just kind of waiting like everybody else is. Once it happens, we’re just going to read and react, and figure out what the corresponding move would be.”
Ferguson would not have been available to pitch Monday, anyhow, as he made back-to-back appearances to close out the series against the Padres.
Ferguson is 2-0 with a 1.26 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in 15 games this season.
Suero provided relief for Dodgers bullpen
Suero joined the Dodgers on May 5 when Gavin Stone was optioned to OKC. The right-hander struggled that night in his Dodgers debut and also had trouble locating pitches in a loss to the Brewers.
However, Suero then followed Clayton Kershaw with two scoreless innings on Wednesday as they combined to provide the Dodgers bullpen with a day of rest.
Their performances came one day after the Dodgers used eight relief pitchers in a single game because Noah Syndergaard only pitched one inning before coming out due to a cut/blister on his right index finger.
Dodgers roster moves
Also on Friday, the Dodgers reinstated J.D. Martinez from the 10-day injured list and optioned Michael Busch to Oklahoma City.
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