Dodgers plan to call up Edwin Uceta for bullpen game on Sunday

The Dodgers will have a bullpen game on Sunday and later this week as well. When speaking with reporters on Saturday, Dave Roberts provided a little more clarity as to who we’ll see pitch, saying the team plans on calling up Edwin Uceta.

He also added that we could see David Price take a bulk of some innings, saying he could probably throw around 40 pitches.

Uceta has been used in this role a few times this season. He’s thrown at least two innings in four outings, including one outing in which he went three innings. The length has been there, but the production hasn’t. In 14 ¹⁄₃ innings, Uceta owns a 6.28 ERA and 4.00 FIP. He also has a WHIP of 1.40.

Obviously the Dodgers could turn to Price, who had been a starter his entire career prior to 2021. However, Roberts and the Dodgers just don’t seem to be on-board with making that transition with him.

“The build-up is something that isn’t practical,” Roberts said. “As far as the opener, that’s not a hurdle for any of our guys.

“The argument is looking at potential and internal options. Also, having the ability to deploy David four times a week and impact the game, which he’s done a nice job in that role. There’s a cost with any decision you make.”

When asked about internal options who could give the Dodgers length, Roberts mentioned Uceta. He also mentioned Josiah Gray, LA’s top pitching prospect. However, it will still be time before we potentially see Gray as he’s recovering from right shoulder impingement. He’ll have to be built back up, then he’d have to be added to LA’s 40-man roster.

Other news and notes

• Scott Alexander will likely be activated on either Monday or Tuesday in Miami. He’s missed two months with left shoulder inflammation
• Corey Seager will travel with the Dodgers to Miami. There’s still no timetable as to when he can begin swinging again.