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LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers on Sunday placed Paco Rodriguez on the 15-day disabled list with a left elbow strain, and recalled right-hander Matt West from Triple-A Oklahoma City before their game against the Cardinals on Sunday morning.
The DL move is retroactive to Saturday, as Rodriguez last pitched on Friday night. He will head back to Los Angeles to have his elbow examined, which always seems like bad news.
Paco Rodriguez hasn't felt right in his last 3 or 4 games, Mattingly said. No pain, but trouble finishing pitches. Heading back to L.A.
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) May 31, 2015
Rodriguez heading to DL. Unable to "finish" on his pitches. Can't get the "bite" at the end of his pitches. Heading back to LA. #Dodgers
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) May 31, 2015
Rodriguez had a 2.61 ERA in 18 appearances for the Dodgers this season, with eight strikeouts and three walks in 10⅓ innings. His four-seam fastball this season averaged 87.85 mph and his cutter 85.35 mph, per Brooks Baseball, down from 89.22 mph and 86.99, respectively, last year and down from 90.20 and 87.83 mph in his career heading into 2015.
West was acquired from the Blue Jays for cash considerations on May 4. The 26-year-old right-hander has a 1.46 ERA, 28 strikeouts and eight walks in 24⅔ innings across Double-A New Hampshire, Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, with opposing batters hitting .182/.265/.250 against him.
He last pitched on Wednesday.
West, drafted as an infielder, converted to pitching in 2011 and had Tommy John surgery in 2012. He made his major league debut in 2014, appearing in three games in relief for the Rangers.
With the Dodgers, West will wear No. 76.