Dodgers recall Luis Avilan from Triple-A Oklahoma City

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers will have a nine-man bullpen for at least a couple of days, recalling left-hander Luis Avilan from Triple-A Oklahoma City before Tuesday's game against the Orioles. As expected, he takes the place of Julio Urias, who was optioned to Triple-A after Monday night's start.

The Dodgers bullpen has been especially taxed of late, throwing a total of 28⅔ innings over the last eight days, including 5⅔ scoreless innings in relief of Urias in Monday night's win.

Dodgers relievers lead the National League in ERA (2.95), WHIP (1.031), opponents batting average (.196), on-base percentage (.270), slugging percentage (.333), OPS (.603) and adjusted OPS+ (66). They are second in strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.98) and FIP (3.63), and third in xFIP (3.96).

Avilan had a 4.55 ERA in 26 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City this season with 29 strikeouts and 15 walks in 27⅔ innings. He last pitched on Friday.

In two previous big league stints this season, Avilan pitched in four games, allowing three runs in one inning, with two walks (one intentional) and a strikeout.

The nine-man bullpen might last for two games, as the Dodgers will have to make corresponding roster moves to add Thursday starter Hyun-jin Ryu, who is currently on the 60-day disabled list, to both the active and 40-man rosters.