Dodgers option Chris Withrow to minor league camp

The Dodgers on Wednesday optioned pitcher Chris Withrow to minor league camp. The move trimmed their roster to 39 players remaining in big league camp.

Withrow battled a back injury for most of spring training and appeared in just one Cactus League contest. He faced two batters on Sunday against the Diamondbacks in Scottsdale, and allowed one hit and struck out the other hitter. But even that outing was cut short as Withrow was hit in the leg by a line drive and was promptly removed from the game, though he was said to be fine the next day.

Withrow was a first round pick in 2007 by the Dodgers, but has yet to advance past Double-A. Last July, the Dodgers converted Withrow from starter to the bullpen in hopes of reviving his career. He put up a 2.37 ERA with 19 strikeouts in 19 innings in Double-A Chattanooga in relief after the switch.

"I don't think it changed my style, I just got more aggressive to hitters," Withrow said. "I don't have to pace myself against hitters early on in the game. So I just go at them with my best stuff right away."

With the potentially deep bullpen of Triple-A Albuquerque, it is unknown where Withrow will open his 2013 campaign. But a fifth straight season in Chattanooga might be in the cards, at least to start.

Withrow used the first of his three option years in 2012.