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For the third straight game, the Dodgers have added a pitcher to their bullpen who is new to the 40-man roster. Right-hander Conner Greene is the latest addition, added to the active roster before Tuesday’s game against the Phillies.
Greene was a waiver claim on Monday from the Orioles, for whom the 26-year-old right-hander had a 14.73 ERA in three games this year as a rookie. He allowed six runs on seven hits in 3⅔ innings, with five strikeouts and a walk. A Santa Monica High School graduate, Greene grew up a Dodgers fan.
“We had a good chat earlier,” manager Dave Roberts said. “He’s got really big stuff, with the fastball, a couple of breaking balls, and a changeup. I think for us, and my message to him, and from the pitching coaches, was just go be yourself, let us support you, and help us support you to get outs.”
Other recent welcome chats from Roberts, Mark Prior, and the staff were to Kevin Quackenbush and Justin Bruihl, who were both called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City and added to the 40-man roster over the weekend. Both pitched Sunday, giving the Dodgers 32 pitchers used this season, a franchise record.
Greene is wearing uniform number 71 for the Dodgers. He has one option year remaining, having used options in 2018 and 2019.
Outfielder Zach Reks was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make room on the active roster for Greene, giving the Dodgers 13 pitchers and 13 position players. That includes nine relievers.
Come Thursday that could change, depending on whether the Dodgers decide to use a bullpen game or a fifth starter to slot into the rotation for the series finale against the Phillies.
Mitch White, who last pitched five innings on August 5 in Oklahoma City, is with the Dodgers on the road trip as part of the taxi squad. “Obviously, he’s going to be in play,” Roberts said.
By using a fifth starter or bullpen game Thursday, that gives an extra day of rest for Julio Urías and Walker Buehler this time through the rotation. Those will be harder to come by with the Dodgers on Tuesday starting a stretch of 22 games in 23 days.