Dodgers activate Casey Fien from DL, option Brock Stewart to Triple-A

LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers on Tuesday activated relief pitcher Casey Fien from the disabled list before their series against the Phillies, and optioned pitcher Brock Stewart to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Fien was placed on the disabled list on July 19 with right elbow tendonitis, and the right-hander missed 24 games. He pitched in four games on a minor league rehab assignment, totaling five innings between the Arizona Rookie League and Class-A Rancho Cucamonga, including back-to-back games for the Quakes on Thursday and Friday.

Stewart was up as long man insurance on Sunday, and was very much needed, throwing three innings in relief of starter Brett Anderson, who exited after one inning with a mild left wrist sprain.

This move allows the Dodgers to carry nine relief pitchers for the first two games of their series in Philadelphia, at least before Bud Norris is activated from the disabled list to start the Thursday finale.

The Dodgers claimed Fien off waivers from the Twins on May 7. In 21 games for the Dodgers, Fien has a 4.09 ERA with 19 strikeouts and two unintentional walks in 22 innings. He has also allowed seven home runs during his time with LA, and combined with his first month of the season with Minnesota, Fien has a 5.55 ERA in 35 games in 2016 with 12 home runs allowed, one shy of the major league lead among relief pitchers.

In another transaction, the Dodgers released utility man Zach Walters, who was designated for assignment on Sunday. The switch-hitter, acquired from the Indians on April 10, hit .276/.326/.444 with 32 extra-base hits in 94 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He started 25 games at first base, 20 games at third base, 17 games at shortstop, 13 games at second base, six games in left field and three games in right field in 2016.

In a brief stint with the Dodgers, Walters was 0-for-5 in three games.