Dodgers Send Rookie Starting Pitcher Back to Minor Leagues
In an anticipated move, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced a roster move ahead of Tuesday's match up against the Nationals. Rookie starting pitcher Gavin Stone has been optioned to Triple-A after a rocky start to his MLB career. With that move, old friend Alex Vesia has been recalled and returns to the team for the first time in a month.
J.P. Hoornstra was among those to report the move on Twitter.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has alluded to the fact that the team would likely not have Stone make his next start with the big league club. The 24-year-old has a 14.40 ERA over his first three MLB starts and said that he needs to re-tool some things after his latest disaster start on Sunday.
Through it all, the team has maintained confidence in the rookie.
On the Vesia side of things, he's back after a 27 day stint at Triple-A Oklahoma City. Over his first 13 appearances with the Dodgers this season, he allowed 9 runs in 10.1 innings (7.84 ERA) before being sent down to regain some confidence while working through some mechanical things.
By all accounts, it seems to have worked. After a terrible first outing at AAA where he allowed 5 runs, he's been lights out over a 9 game scoreless stretch. He's allowed only 5 hits while striking out 18 over 9.1 innings.
With Vesia rejoining the Dodgers, their bullpen gets a bonus reliever for the next few days until the team activates RHP Michael Grove from the 15-day IL. Grove is expected to make his return against the Yankees, potentially on Friday or more likely Saturday.
