Dodgers activate Brandon McCarthy, place Josh Ravin on 60-day DL

LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers activated pitcher Brandon McCarthy from the 60-day disabled list before Friday’s series opener against the Giants, with the starting pitcher in a relief role down the stretch.

McCarthy has been sidelined for two months with a blister on his right finger, having last pitched for the Dodger on July 20. He pitched in three minor league rehab games, including two rehab starts with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga and a playoff start last Friday throwing six innings for Double-A Tulsa.

“We’ve got another hard-throwing right-hander out of the pen,” manager Dave Roberts said. “It’s something he’s unfamiliar with, but he’s worked hard to get back. We wanted to give him a look and an opportunity to log some innings.”

McCarthy has pitched just twice in relief in the last 11 seasons, including a disastrous outing in the final weekend of the 2016 regular season that saw him face six batters and allow six runs in San Francisco.

In 16 starts this season, McCarthy is 6-4 with a 3.84 ERA, with 66 strikeouts and 25 walks in 86⅔ innings.

To make room on the 40-man roster, relief pitcher Josh Ravin was placed on the 60-day disabled list with a right abdomen strain.

Ravin has a 6.84 ERA in 14 major league appearances this season, with 19 strikeouts and 12 walks in 16⅔ innings. He allowed two home runs on Sunday against the Nationals, and has allowed seven runs in 4⅔ innings in five September games.

“He’s been dealing with hip and groin issues all year. He’s tried to play through it,” Roberts said. “[The ball is] just not coming out the right way. We’re going to shut him down and get him ready for spring training next year.”