Mike Bolsinger, Luis Avilan recalled by Dodgers

LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers pitcher Mike Bolsinger is back with the team and is scheduled to start against the Reds on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. He was recalled along with Luis Avilan from Triple-A Oklahoma City before Monday's game.

Bolsinger was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday after making a spot start last Wednesday in Anaheim. He is allowed to return within 10 days because he will be replacing an injured player, as Chin-hui Tsao was placed on the disabled list.

Ross Stripling, who threw three innings in relief in Sunday's marathon game in San Diego, was optioned to Oklahoma City. He was more a victim of circumstance and immediate need, but manager Dave Roberts also said that since the Dodgers talked about eventually moving Stripling to the bullpen this season to limit his innings, this move was necessary, especially given the need for a fresh arm in the bullpen.

"It made sense to get Avilan here to give us some coverage tonight," Roberts said.

Avilan has a 4.97 ERA in 12 games in Triple-A this season, with 15 strikeouts and nine walks in 15⅔ innings. Avilan was up earlier this season with the Dodgers, and allowed three runs in three games while recording two outs.

Bolsinger was originally slated to start for Oklahoma City on Monday night in Fresno, and flew ahead of the team on Sunday. He was traveling during the Dodgers game and was unaware of his fate.

"I didn't know anything until late last night," Bolsinger said.

Bolsinger is slated to start Tuesday, but he was recalled Monday just in case he is needed in long relief on Monday, though with Clayton Kershaw on the mound that seems unlikely.

"It's nice to have Clayton going," Roberts said.

Since Stripling can't be recalled without an injury until June 2 at the earliest, it would make sense that Bolsinger might make at least two starts through the rotation. That is complicated somewhat by Thursday's off day, which could give the Dodgers a chance to shuffle things up. There is also the matter of what is needed in the bullpen.

"A little bit depends on how Mike throws tomorrow. It depends on where the pen is at, how we've recovered and where we're at," Roberts said. "It's a day to day thing where we have to figure out where we're at."