Dodgers recall Adam Liberatore from Triple-A Oklahoma City

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers as expected recalled pitcher Adam Liberatore from Triple-A Oklahoma City, taking the active roster spot vacated when pitcher Carlos Frias was optioned to Triple-A on Thursday.

Liberatore, who turns 28 on May 12, nearly made the club out of spring training after a strong performance in the Cactus League.

"He's got great stuff. The ball comes out of his hand different. I don't think he's way up on the radar gun but he's got a nasty little split, a little breaking ball," manager Don Mattingly said of Liberatore during the spring. "He throws the ball to both sides of the plate, and it comes out funny. It comes out of his hand more like a cannon than that typical arm slot. He gives a different look."

The lefty Liberatore allowed a run in two innings in his two relief appearances for Oklahoma City, with two strikeouts and no walks. He last pitched on Monday. His first appearance with the Dodgers will be his major league debut.

The Dodgers are currently carrying eight relievers to go with their four starting pitchers, and don't need a fifth starter again until April 25.