Dodgers recall Adam Liberatore from Triple-A Oklahoma City

LOS ANGELES -- With starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy placed on the disabled list on Monday, the Dodgers recalled relief pitcher Adam Liberatore from Triple-A Oklahoma City before their series opener against the Giants on Monday night at Dodger Stadium.

Liberatore allowed only one hit in 4⅓ scoreless innings in three games in his first major league stint. He struck out four and retired 12 of his 13 batters faced. Liberatore was optioned back to Oklahoma City on April 22, but is allowed to return with 10 days because he's replacing an injured player.

The club is currently carrying 13 pitchers and 12 position players, playing temporarily with a short bench. Though that could be rectified in the next day or two.

"We debated it back and forth this afternoon," Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. "Let's just get through tonight and we'll see we are with our bullpen and how guys are doing."

Of the 13 pitchers, nine are relievers - Yimi Garcia, Paco Rodriguez, J.P. Howell, Pedro Baez, Chris Hatcher, Sergio Santos, Liberatore, Juan Nicasio, and Carlos Frias. Of that group, only Frias pitched on Sunday. But Frias is also in the mix to make a start the next time through the rotation.

Scott Baker will start either Friday or Saturday against the Diamondbacks, manager Don Mattingly said. The Dodgers will need to either use Frias or call up another Oklahoma City at some point between May 1-5. But despite the blow to the rotation that McCarthy's injury represents, Friedman said he was still thinking relief.

"I guess it always comes back to the bullpen. This injury scares me more for the bullpen. I worry about the length [the starters] are going to provide, and the toil it's going to take on the bullpen," Friedman said. "But we also have a very deep bullpen, including some guys in Oklahoma City."