The Los Angeles Dodgers made a roster move before Thursday's series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals, one that could affect their next series as well. Adam Kennedy was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right groin strain, and reliever Shawn Tolleson was recalled from Triple A Albuquerque.
Kennedy to the disabled list was expected, as he aggravated the injury Tuesday night and he could have gone on the disabled list as early as Wednesday, especially since the Dodgers needed to clear a roster spot for Randy Choate, acquired from the Miami Marlins in the Hanley Ramirez trade.
But instead, Tolleson was optioned to Triple A on Wednesday. But after the Dodgers played their third 12-inning game in their last seven games on Wednesday, Tolleson is back one day later to bolster the bullpen.
This could affect Friday's starting pitcher for the Dodgers in San Francisco. Stephen Fife is on the 40-man roster and made his major league debut on July 17. He was thought to be the in-house favorite to start in place of Nathan Eovaldi, who was traded to Miami. But because Fife was optioned on July 18 he can't be recalled until Saturday without a disabled list move as options must last at least 10 days unless replacing an injured player. That injured player could have been Kennedy but since he was placed on the disabled list on Thursday that muddles the picture for Friday.
The Dodgers could have Chad Billingsley start on three days rest on Friday with Fife called up to pitch Saturday, but that seems unlikely. A more likely option could be Allen Webster, who is scheduled to start for Double A Chattanooga on Thursday evening. To complicate things further, Webster is not on the 40-man, so he would require a corresponding roster move.
Of the rumored trade targets for the Dodgers, Ryan Dempster started Wednesday, James Shields is starting Thursday morning, and Matt Garza might be ready to pitch Friday but is with his wife who is expected to give birth this weekend.
So for Friday's Dodger starter, stay tuned...
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