Dodgers Officially Announce September Roster Expansion Moves
September 1 marks the day that rosters can expand from 25 men to 40 men. Most teams add extra arms for the bullpen, a third catcher and possibly some prospects to evaluate their talent.
For the Dodgers, they could do all three things; however, on the first day of roster expansion they focused mostly on extra arms in the bullpen. It could not come at a better time, as they played in a 14-inning game on Monday against the San Francisco Giants.
Before Monday’s game the Dodgers placed Kiké Hernandez on the 15-day disabled list and recalled catcher Austin Barnes. They also announced the expected moves of recalling Mike Bolsinger, Ian Thomas and Joel Peralta.
On Tuesday, the Dodgers officially recalled the three pitchers and added a fourth. Joe Wieland, who made one start for the team earlier this season, was also recalled. One more move was announced following the acquisition of outfielder Justin Ruggiano, who was not yet on the 40-man roster. The Dodgers selected Ruggiano’s contract and placed right-hander Josh Ravin on the 60-day DL with a left hernia.
Peralta, Wieland and Thomas are expected to join the bullpen and provide relief when needed. Wieland and Thomas can be stretched out over multiple innings if needed. Thomas is 1-1 in three appearances (one start) this season with a 4.50 ERA in 10 innings. Wieland allowed six earned runs in 4.2 innings against Milwaukee Brewers back in May. Peralta has a 5.40 ERA in 25 appearances and went on the DL with a neck strain in August.
Bolsinger could be used as a spot starter or in relief, as the Dodgers are contemplating using a sixth starter once in September. He was 5-3 with a 2.83 ERA in 16 starts before being sent down following the deal at the trade deadline.
Ruggiano was acquired from the Seattle Mariners on Monday night and is in the starting lineup on Tuesday, batting sixth in left field. The 33-year-old hit .214 in 36 games for the Mariners before heading to Triple-A.
