Before the Los Angeles Dodgers began their weekend series against the San Francisco Giants, they made a roster move. Relief pitcher Scott Elbert was placed on the 15-day disabled list with left elbow inflammation, with Stephen Fife getting promoted to start on the mound Friday night.
Fife allowed one run in six innings against the Philadelphia Phillies on July 17 in his major league debut, but he was optioned back to Triple A Albuquerque the next day. On Sunday for the Isotopes, he allowed one run in seven innings against Iowa, with no walks and 12 strikeouts.
Fife normally would have to wait 10 days after getting optioned to return to the major leagues, but since he is replacing an injured player that requirement is waived.
Elbert is 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA this season, with 13 walks and 28 strikeouts in 29 1/3 innings. He pitched just once in the four-game series in St. Louis, walking the only batter he faced on five pitches on Wednesday night. Elbert was the only left-handed pitcher in the Dodgers bullpen all season until Wednesday's trade with the Miami Marlins, when southpaw specialist Randy Choate became a Dodger along with Hanley Ramirez.
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