The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Darien Núñez off the injured list and optioned Zach McKinstry to Triple-A Oklahoma City minutes before first pitch of the series finale against the New York Mets.
Núñez was put on the IL on Aug. 7 without a designation, and manager Dave Roberts recently said he could not provide any specifics. That also applies to Joe Kelly, though only the left-hander was with the team in New York prior to being added to the active roster.
Welcoming Núñez back gives the Dodgers a fresh arm in what’s been a taxed bullpen of late. Though, Roberts did anticipate pushing Max Scherzer as much as possible, similar to Walker Buehler getting through seven innings on Saturday.
Núñez made his MLB debut earlier this season and is 0-1 with a 6.14 ERA in five games (one start) with the Dodgers. He has otherwise split the 2021 season with Double-A Tulsa and OKC, going a combined 5-0 with a 2.55 ERA across 19 games.
McKinstry returns to the Minors just one day after getting recalled. He was the corresponding move to Julio Urias being placed on the IL because of a left calf contusion that was a result of being hit by a pitch during the series opener at Citi Filed.
McKinstry was optioned to Oklahoma City along with Mitch White on Aug. 1 as the corresponding moves to Mookie Betts returning from the IL and Yefry Ramirez getting called up. McKinstry has hit .217/.265/.408 with nine doubles, seven home runs and 29 RBI in 59 games with L.A.
Dodgers bullpen games
With Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin and Urias all on the IL, the Dodgers are short starters for this week. They are planning for a bullpen game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday, with prospect Andre Jackson potentially part of the equation.
Mitch White will then take the bulk of the innings on Wednesday, either in a start or following an opener.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and more!
