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LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers on Thursday optioned relief pitcher Luis Avilan back to Triple-A Oklahoma City, a move that opens up a spot on the 25-man roster for Julio Urias, who will start on Friday against the Mets.
Avilan was recalled on Monday by the Dodgers one day after the club used seven relievers in a 17-inning win in San Diego. He appeared in Tuesday night's game and retired the one batter he faced.
In four games with the Dodgers this season, the left-hander has allowed three runs on three hits in one inning, with two walks, one intentional, and one strikeout.
Avilan, 26, has a 4.97 ERA in 12 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, with 15 strikeouts and nine walks in 12⅔ innings, and two saves. With OKC, left-handed batters are 2-for-14 (.143) against Avilan this season, with three strikeouts and two walks.
The Dodgers will still need to make a corresponding move to create space on the 40-man roster for Urias. Depending on the severity of their injuries, Yimi Garcia or Chin-hui Tsao could be candidates to be transferred from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list. Otherwise the club would need to send someone through waivers.
Coincidentally or not, Monday is the day by which the Dodgers have to activate Alex Guerrero from the disabled list, as his 20-day minor league rehab assignment will finish on Sunday. Since it is unlikely Guerrero has a spot on the active roster, and he can't be sent to the minors without his consent, he is a candidate to be designated for assignment.