PHOENIX -- Newly minted Cuban right-handed pitcher Yaisel Sierra will make his Dodgers debut on Friday night, on the list of available bullpen pitchers against the Giants at Camelback Ranch.
The Dodgers signed Sierra, 24, to a six-year, $30 million contract on Feb. 21. The right-hander threw a few bullpen sessions and to live hitters in big league camp but hasn't yet pitched in a Cactus League game. He was optioned to minor league camp on Mar. 17.
The Dodgers plan to develop Sierra as a starting pitcher, though depending on the need at the time he could see major league action at some point in 2016 in the Dodgers bullpen.
"He's got a lot of power in his arsenal, has a good delivery and we like his makeup. We have to keep developing him. He's fairly far along, but he's still got some room to grow," Dodgers senior vice president of baseball operations Josh Byrnes said in February. "A lot of guys you have that debate of starter or reliever, and it's nice to have a fallback. But we want to at least shoot for starter because there are enough ingredients in there that gives him a chance."
Carlos Frias gets the start for the Dodgers, vying for the club's fifth starter role in April. Other pitchers on the list available to pitch for the Dodgers on Friday night include Pedro Baez, Louis Coleman, Adam Liberatore, Luis Avilan and, up from minor league camp, Matt West.
Charlies Culberson gets the start at shortstop for the Dodgers on Friday night. Corey Seager, dealing with a sprained right knee, got at-bats on the minor league side in Double-A and Triple-A games for a second straight day, though he did not run.