Dodgers recall Matt Magill to start, place Ted Lilly on DL

The Dodgers on Sunday made official what was reported on Saturday, that Ted Lilly was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a neck sprain and Matt Magill was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque to start the series finale against the Braves at Dodger Stadium.

Magill had successful results in his major league debut, with seven strikeouts and just two runs allowed in 6⅔ innings on Apr. 27, in part from simply throwing strikes. In that first start, Magill threw 71 of his 103 pitches or strikes, or 68.9%. But his strike percentage has waned in his last four starts, from 60.3% to 55.9% to 56.3% to 50.0%.

His last start was disastrous in Coors Field last Sunday, when he became the first pitcher in the modern era to allow nine walks and four home runs in the same game. Part of the problem was that Magill was kept out there for six innings in part to relieve some of the burden off a tired bullpen.

But he hasn't pitched since then.

Sunday marks Magill's third recall from Triple-A this season, and because of his up-and-down movement and fill-in role in the majors he hasn't been on much of a routine since his major league debut. Magill made the start on Apr. 27 on four days rest, but hasn't started on regular rest since. His last five starts, in the majors and minors, have come with six, five, eight, five, and seven days rest.

Atlanta will be the first team Magill sees twice in his career. He struck out a career-high eight Braves on the road on May 19, and allowed just one run in five innings. Can Magill duplicate that performance on Sunday?

Game info

Time: 1:10 p.m.

TV: Prime Ticket