The Los Angeles Dodgers selected the contract of Robbie Erlin for their 27th player on the active roster that is permitted Saturday due to playing a split doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs. The Dodgers’ 40-man roster now has 39 players on it.
That does not include David Price and Mitch White, both of whom were temporarily removed from the 40-man roster when placed on the COVID-19 injured list. Although not yet activated, Price is with the team for their road trip. White has reported to Triple-A Oklahoma City to begin a throwing program.
As for Erlin, he provides some length in the event of pitching challenges arising during the doubleheader. Both games at Wrigley Field will be at least nine innings, which is a change from the past two seasons when they were shortened to seven innings due to health and safety protocols.
The Dodgers signed Erlin to a Minor League contract during the offseason. He has pitched at the Major League level over parts of seven seasons. Erlin’s most recent action came in 2020 with the Atlanta Braves when he posted an 8.49 ERA, 6.75 FIP and 1.46 WHIP over 23.1 innings (seven games, five starts).
Erlin threw three scoreless innings in his lone Cactus League appearance during Spring Training this year. He’s gone 2-1 with a 5.82 ERA and 1.62 WHIP over five games (three starts) for Triple-A Oklahoma City this season.
Erlin last pitched for OKC on April 30 in what was his best showing so far in 2022, as he allowed just two hits and collected eight strikeouts over five scoreless innings out of the bullpen.
Erlin is out of Minor League options and thus will need to be designated for assignment whenever he is removed from the roster. The Dodgers could keep him beyond the doubleheader, but doing so would require removing a different play from the active roster.
Erlin allowed home run to Cartaya
While the MLB lockout was ongoing, Erlin and others not on the 40-man roster still were able to report to Camelback Ranch in early March for Minor League Spring Training.
The veteran left-hander made headlines, but for less-than-favorable reasons as he surrendered a towering home run to Dodgers prospect Diego Cartaya during a workout.
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