Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled DJ Peters and optioned Edwin Uceta ahead of Saturday’s game against the L.A. Angels. Manager Dave Roberts suggested after losing the Freeway Series opener that roster move was likely on the horizon.
Uceta, who was recalled for a second time this season on May 5, gave the team a 10th relief pitcher on the active roster. Uceta did not appear in the finale against the Chicago Cubs, but pitched 2.1 scoreless innings in Anaheim on Friday night.
Uceta made his MLB debut against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 30 when he served as the opener in a bullpen game. The right-hander allowed two runs on four hits and had two strikeouts across two innings.
Prior to this year, Uceta had yet to advance past Double-A Tulsa, as he finished that season with the Drillers after time spent with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
Peters gives the Dodgers an even split of their active roster with 13 pitchers and 13 position players, and provides needed coverage in the outfield. AJ Pollock suffered a Grade 1 left hamstring strain during Friday’s loss and is considered day-to-day.
“It’s not, right now, an IL situation. We’ll see how he comes in and how he feels. We’ll bring a player just to get some coverage if that needs to happen,” Roberts said after the game. “Our hope is feels a little bit better and going forward.”
It remains possible the Dodgers will determine Pollock must go on the IL, and in that case the club intended to have a second position player with them in Anaheim in order to be prepared for that scenario.
Peters is up with the Dodgers for a third time this season. He went 0-for-5 in three games across the first stint, but didn’t appear in a game upon joining the Dodgers for one day late last month. Although the results haven’t been as desired, Peters reveled in being able to make his MLB debut at Dodger Stadium after growing up a lifelong Dodgers fan.
Bellinger, McKinstry progressing
The Dodgers continue to wait for the returns of Cody Bellinger (hairline fracture in left fibula) and Zach McKinstry (right oblique strain), and though each are moving along in their respective recoveries, a timetable is not set for either to be activated.
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