clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Ricky Nolasco to make Dodgers debut Tuesday, Chris Capuano to bullpen

Capuano pitched two games in relief for the Dodgers in April. The move also keeps Stephen Fife in the staring rotation, for now.

USA TODAY Sports

New acquisition Ricky Nolasco will make his Dodgers debut on Tuesday in Arizona and Chris Capuano will move to the bullpen, manager Don Mattingly told reporters before Sunday's game against the Giants, per David Vassegh of 570 KLAC AM.

Capuano was originally scheduled to start the middle game against the Diamondbacks, but has allowed 13 runs on 17 hits in just eight innings over his last two starts. He will now pitch in relief, where he started the season. Capuano in April pitched in two games in relief and struck out four in 2⅔ scoreless innings.

The Dodgers will still need to make a roster move to add Nolasco to the active roster, which will be presumably one of Chris Withrow or Jose Dominguez getting optioned.

Starting Nolasco on Tuesday will put him on five days rest, and gives the right-hander two starts before the All-Star break, as he'll be in line to start on Sunday, July 14 against the Rockies.

The move looks like a vote of confidence, at least for now, for Stephen Fife, who is 3-3 with a 2.76 ERA in eight starts this season. He allowed four runs in just 4⅓ innings on Saturday in his shortest outing of the season, snapping a string of three straight quality starts.

But Fife, who has options remaining, could be keeping a seat warm for Ted Lilly, assuming the left-hander is ever deemed healthy and/or effective enough to pitch for the Dodgers again. Lilly lines up with Fife and could presumably return Thursday at home against Colorado, but it's highly unlikely Lilly is ready after just two starts on his current minor league rehab assignment.

Lilly has allowed 10 runs and 19 baserunners in 8⅓ innings in two starts for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga. He has been out for a month with a neck strain.

Roster move

The Giants activated Chad Gaudin from the disabled list to start Sunday's game. The corresponding move was the option of pitcher Mike Kickham to Triple-A Fresno.

Game info

Time: 1:05 p.m.

TV: Prime Ticket

MLB Gameday