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The Dodgers’ bullpen turnover continues, with Kevin Quackenbush called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City, the first time in the majors since 2018 for the 32-year-old right-hander.
Quackenbush signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers on May 5, and posted a 0.61 ERA and 3.17 FIP in 30 games for Oklahoma City, with 33 strikeouts and 14 walks in 29⅓ innings. In a Triple-A West league that as a whole averages 5.86 runs and 1.46 home runs per team game — MLB averages 4.49 runs and 1.20 homers per game, for comparison — Quackenbush allowed no home runs with Oklahoma City.
He last pitched on Thursday.
Kevin Quackenbush is a pro’s pro. Thrilled for him to get back up there.
— Alex Freedman (@azfreedman) August 7, 2021
Everyone in the OKC clubhouse has been ecstatic about the news. https://t.co/uH9RfBMzHm
In parts of five major league seasons (2014-18) with the Padres and Reds, Quackenbush has a 4.38 ERA and 4.09 FIP in 203 games, all in relief, with 186 strikeouts and 82 walks in 207⅔ innings. He’ll wear uniform number 41 with the Dodgers, previously worn this season by Nate Jones and Josiah Gray.
Quackenbush is replacing Darien Núñez, who was placed on the injured list with no specific injury designation.
If Quackenbush appears in a game for the Dodgers, he’d be the 25th pitcher used in relief this season. The only team in franchise history to use more relievers was the 2018 team, with 29 different arms out of the bullpen.