As expected the Dodgers have recalled pitcher Nathan Eovaldi from Double A Chattanooga before Friday night's game with the Washington Nationals. Eovaldi will replace Michael Antonini, who was optioned back to Triple A Albuquerque.
Eovaldi was pulled from his start with Chattanooga after just one inning on Wednesday, the second consecutive outing cut short after one inning with an injury concern to a Dodgers pitcher. When Eovaldi was lifted on April 19, it was to potentially replace Chad Billingsley, who was having groin issues. But Billingsley was able to pitch a bullpen session without problems and has been healthy since.
In 13 innings in Double A this season, Eovaldi has allowed three runs and three walks, with 14 strikeouts.
For Antonini, this has to be bittersweet, as he was just recalled on Tuesday and his initial cup of coffee in the majors included two days and no games pitched. On Tuesday, Antonini said his parents planned to make a trip from Philadelphia to possibly see him pitch.
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In other roster news, the other team at Dodger Stadium made big news on Friday when they announced uber prospect Bryce Harper would be recalled from Triple A and make his major league debut on Saturday at Dodger Stadium. Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman will be placed on the disabled list.
At 19 years, 195 days old on Saturday, Harper will be the youngest player to make his major league debut since Felix Hernandez, who was 19 years, 118 days old on August 4, 2005.
Harper is the youngest player to make his MLB debut at Dodger Stadium since Adrian Beltre, who was 19 years, 78 days old on June 24, 1998.