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Dodgers News: Mike Bolsinger Hopeful To Have Proven His Value

Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

The fifth spot in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting rotation was up again, which meant time for the team to once more rely on the much-improved depth that now litters their farm system. Whereas David Huff got the first call nine days ago, it was Mike Bolsinger’s opportunity on Thursday.

Bolsinger made two starts in Triple-A prior to joining the big league club, going 2-0 and allowing three hits in 11.0 combined scoreless innings. He allowed one run on five hits, issued two walks and had five strikeouts in 5.2 innings Thursday before turning the game over to the bullpen.



While the Dodgers failed to come away with a win, Bolsinger believes he’s proven his value, according to Alex Espinoza of MLB.com:

It’s tough to say. In a way, yeah, I think I have [proved myself],” Bolsinger said. “Whatever happens, happens. I just want to put myself in the best possible situation so that if something comes up, they think of me.”

Including his two starts with the Oklahoma City Dodgers, Bolsinger has only gotten through the sixth inning once in his three starts this season, when he topped out at 87 pitches. He threw 81 pitches against the San Francisco Giants and believed there was more left in the tank, largely due to the game setting:

It’s hard to run out of gas out there when you hear that crowd like that,” Bolsinger said. “It kind of pumps you up. Everything felt good. That’s just a decision they make and I always respect those decisions.”

The Dodgers departed for San Diego after their Thursday afternoon game, though what the future holds for Bolsinger is uncertain. A date for Hyun-jin Ryu’s return isn’t yet known and as the off days become more scare than they’ve been in the opening month of the season, the Dodgers will need a fifth starter on a regular basis.

The club is expected to add recently-acquired Xavier Cedeno to the active roster over the weekend, which presumably would mean Bolsinger gets optioned back to Oklahoma City. The revolving roster spot first belonged to Darwin Barney and has since been filled by Huff, Carlos Frias, Adam Liberatore and Chris Heisey.

Of the group, Heisey, Huff and Frias have only remained with the Dodgers for one day before returning to the Minors. Bolsinger will join the unlucky batch if the club makes a move Friday.

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