Luis Avilan – Dodger Thoughts

Dodger bullpen runs deep heading into NLDS

On October 7, 2016

Kenley Jansen and Joe Blanton (Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

NLDS Game 1
Dodgers at Nationals, 2:38 p.m.

Dodgers
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Josh Reddick, RF
Joc Pederson, CF
Yasmani Grandal, C
Andrew Toles, LF
Clayton Kershaw, P

Nationals
Trea Turner, CF
Bryce Harper, RF
Jayson Werth, LF
Daniel Murphy, 2B
Anthony Rendon, 3B
Ryan Zimmerman, 1B
Danny Espinosa, SS
Pedro Severino, C
Max Scherzer P

By Jon Weisman

Any Dodger game that starts with Clayton Kershaw on the mound ideally ends with Clayton Kershaw on the mound.

But with seven relievers who have performed strongly down the stretch, the Dodgers can be as aggressive with their playoff bullpen as they have been in years.

Of the six relievers the Dodgers would use to preserve a lead, none had a September ERA higher than 2.00, and only Joe Blanton had a September WHIP above 1.03.

Kenley Jansen, of course, is the primary candidate for the ninth inning, and if necessary could be drawn into the eighth inning. This year, Jansen entered six games in the eighth and saved five of them.

In the set-up roles, the Dodgers can mix and match righties Joe Blanton, Pedro Báez and Josh Fields with lefties Grant Dayton and Luis Avilán, with Ross Stripling held back for extra innings.

That means even if Kershaw only goes six innings, the Dodgers could go batter-to-batter against a Washington starting lineup that goes R-L-R-L-R at the top.

Andrew Friedman, Dave Roberts explain Dodgers’ NLDS roster choices

By Jon Weisman

On October 4, 2016

In Front office, Transactions

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

The Dodgers faced several hard choices in coming up with their 25-man roster for the National League Division Series — and to some extent, the specific matchup with the Washington Nationals served as a tiebreaker.

Dodgers’ NLDS roster essentially set

By Jon Weisman

On October 4, 2016

In Postseason, Transactions

At dusk, the Dodgers were in a workout ahead of their Wednesday flight to Washington D.C. (Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

By Jon Weisman

Though the Dodgers haven’t officially revealed their 25-man roster for the National League Division Series, Dave Roberts answered the remaining questions about the final spots today before the team’s final pre-NLDS workout in Los Angeles.

Here’s how it shakes out, pending any last-minute changes:

McCarthy, like Anderson, getting a look out of bullpen

By Jon Weisman

On September 30, 2016

In Pitching, Pregame

Dodgers at Giants, 7:15 p.m.
Howie Kendrick, LF
Justin Turner, 3B
Corey Seager, SS
Yasiel Puig, RF
Carlos Ruiz, C
Rob Segedin, 1B
Kiké Hernández, CF
Charlie Culberson, 2B
Rich Hill, P

By Jon Weisman

Like Brett Anderson did on Thursday, Brandon McCarthy is expected to pitch out of the bullpen for the Dodgers when they open their season-ending series at San Francisco tonight.

The relief appearances by Anderson (2 1/3 innings, five hits, two strikeouts) and McCarthy keep alive the chances that either could be added to the Dodger playoff pitching staff.

“We wanted to get a different look from Brett, for him to come out of the pen — it’s something he’s really not accustomed to,” Dave Roberts said after Thursday’s game, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the Times. “His velocity was up. He was victim to some soft-contact hits, but his breaking ball was good. For Brett to come in … it was a positive outing for him.”

The Dodger playoff bullpen was already overflowing with candidates before Anderson and McCarthy slid from starter campaigns into the relief race, essentially trading with Julio Urías, who struck out five Thursday in three shutout innings of what appears to have been a tuneup to start Game 4 of the National League Division Series.

Dodgers have baker’s dozen in bullpen — and counting

By Jon Weisman

On September 5, 2016

In Bullpen, Pregame, Transactions

[mlbvideo id=”1126762083″ width=”550″ height=”308″ /]

Diamondbacks at Dodgers, 5:10 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Josh Reddick, RF
Howie Kendrick, LF
Joc Pederson, CF
Kenta Maeda, P

By Jon Weisman

Luis Avilan has been recalled for the third consecutive month by the Dodgers, boosting the current relief corps to 13.

Behind this week’s scheduled starting rotation of Kenta Maeda, Ross Stripling, Brock Stewart against Arizona and Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill and Maeda at Miami, the Dodgers have the following in the bullpen:

Right-handed pitchers (9): Pedro Baez (expected to be recalled Tuesday), Joe Blanton, Jesse Chavez, Louis Coleman, Josh Fields, Casey Fien, Kenley Jansen, Bud Norris, Josh Ravin

Left-handed pitchers (5): Luis Avilan, Grant Dayton, J.P. Howell, Adam Liberatore, Julio Urias.

Having neared his workload limit, Urias has been shifted to the bullpen, though the Dodgers haven’t definitely said he won’t make another start. Jose De Leon, who made his debut Sunday, doesn’t have an obvious next date to take the mound.

Following a bullpen session today, Alex Wood is scheduled for a short simulated game soon. Out since May, Wood is expected to return in a short relief role later this month.

Shawn Zarraga to back up at catcher tonight, while Scott Van Slyke is moved to 60-day DL

By Jon Weisman

On August 25, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Transactions

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Giants at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Kiké Hernandez, CF
Howie Kendrick, LF
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Rob Segedin, RF
Charlie Culberson, 2B
Ross Stripling, P

By Jon Weisman

With Carlos Ruiz not arriving from the Phillies until Friday, Shawn Zarraga will come from Triple-A Oklahoma City tonight to serve as the Dodgers’ backup catcher.

Scott Van Slyke, who went on the 15-day disabled list August 9, has been moved to the 60-day DL to make room for Zarraga on the 40-man roster, which means Van Slyke will be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season.

Relief pitcher Luis Avilan has been optioned to Oklahoma City to make room on the 25-man roster for Zarraga.

In addition, Rob Segedin has been reinstated from the paternity list after missing Wednesday’s game, and will start tonight in right field.

The 27-year-old Zarraga would be making his Major League debut if he gets in the game tonight. He has a .348 on-base percentage this year in a season split between Oklahoma City and Double-A Tulsa. Los Angeles acquired him in December 2014.

Oklahoma City’s Austin Barnes, normally next in line for the Dodgers at catcher, has been sidelined since Tuesday after getting hit by a pitch in the hand.

Also: With an eye toward a September return, Andre Ethier begins his rehab assignment tonight with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.

Brett Anderson, Scott Kazmir placed on DL

By Jon Weisman

On August 23, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Transactions

Jill Weisleder/Los Angeles Dodgers

Giants at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Kiké Hernandez, 2B
Howie Kendrick, LF
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Rob Segedin, RF
Charlie Culberson, 2B
Kenta Maeda, P
Note: Clayton Kershaw had a 41-pitch bullpen session today. Read more at MLB.com.

By Jon Weisman

Starting pitchers Brett Anderson (blister, left index finger) and Scott Kazmir have both been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Dodgers, who in a trio of transactions have also optioned reliever Josh Fields to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Anderson is returning to the disabled list after having been activated August 14, while Kazmir becomes the Dodgers’ National League record 27th player on the DL this year.

Taking their place on the active roster will be right-hander Ross Stripling, lefty reliever Luis Avilan and infielder Charlie Culberson, who is starting at second base tonight.

Joe Blanton returns, Luis Avilan optioned

By Jon Weisman

On August 12, 2016

In Pregame, Transactions

Pirates at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Josh Reddick, RF
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Joc Pederson, CF
Howie Kendrick, LF
Ross Stripling, P

By Jon Weisman

Right-hander Joe Blanton has been reinstated from bereavement leave to the active roster by the Dodgers, who have optioned left-hander Luis Avilan.

Blanton (2.64 ERA, 0.88 WHIP) leads the Dodgers with 54 games and 58 relief innings, but he has been away from the team since Monday.

Avilan has a 5.91 ERA and 1.41 WHIP after allowing three runs while facing four batters in the Dodgers’ 8-5 victory Sunday over Boston. He didn’t pitch in the recently completed Phillies series.

The Dodger bullpen now goes back to having two lefties in J.P. Howell and Grant Dayton. Julio Urías, who turned 20 today, is potentially a third lefty if he isn’t needed in the starting rotation this weekend. Adam Liberatore is eligible to come off the disabled list Sunday.

Dodgers hang on after Norris’ 6 1/3 shutout innings

By Jon Weisman

On July 26, 2016

In Postgame

By Jon Weisman

Bud Norris began his Dodger career July 1 by throwing six innings of two-hit shutout ball. That seemed like a nice thing to do, so why not a sequel?

Dodgers activate Pederson, send Ryu back to DL

By Jon Weisman

On July 19, 2016

In Health/injuries, Pregame, Transactions

Dodgers at Nationals, 7:05 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Howie Kendrick, LF
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Joc Pederson, CF
Yasiel Puig, CF
Chris Taylor, SS
Scott Kazmir, P

By Jon Weisman

Joc Pederson has been activated from the 15-day disabled list, but the Dodgers are placing pitchers Hyun-Jin Ryu and Casey Fien on the 15-day disabled list, each with elbow tendonitis.

Luis Avilan is returning from Triple-A Oklahoma City to take Fien’s roster spot.

Ryu was scheduled to start for the Dodgers at Washington on Wednesday. He allowed six runs in 4 2/3 innings July 7, in his first start since 2014.

The Dodgers haven’t announced a replacement starter for Wednesday. Bud Norris is scheduled to start on regular rest for Thursday’s day game. Clayton Kershaw doesn’t have an announced return date yet.

Dodgers activate Hyun-Jin Ryu, call up Carlos Frias

By Jon Weisman

On July 7, 2016

In Pregame, Transactions

Hyun-Jin Ryu was recognized by Korean consulate general Key-Chul Lee and director of Korean tourism Tae Shik before Tuesday’s game against the Orioles.

Padres at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrián González, 1B
Yasiel Puig, RF
Trayce Thompson, CF
Scott Van Slyke, LF
A.J. Ellis, C
Hyun-Jin Ryu, P

By Jon Weisman

As presaged three days ago, Hyun-Jin Ryu has officially been activated by the Dodgers, who also promoted Carlos Frias from Triple-A Oklahoma City to support their heavily used bullpen.

To make room on the roster for the two right-handers, the Dodgers have designated outfielder Will Venable for assignment and will send reliever Luis Avilan to Oklahoma City.

Dodgers to recall Luis Avilan, option Julio Urías

By Jon Weisman

On July 5, 2016

In Pregame, Transactions

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Orioles at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Chase Utley, 2B
Corey Seager, SS
Trayce Thompson, CF
Adrián González, 1B
Yasiel Puig, RF
Yasmani Grandal, C
Howie Kendrick, LF
Chris Taylor, 3B
Kenta Maeda, P

By Jon Weisman

Luis Avilan is being recalled by the Dodgers to take the spot of Julio Urías, who as expected will be optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City, a day after his final big-league start before the All-Star Break. Dave Roberts told reporters the news this afternoon.

This is Avilan’s third separate stint with the big-league club this year, but he has only thrown one official inning. In four games, opponents were 3 for 6 against him with two walks (one intentional).

For Triple-A Oklahoma City, Avilan has 29 strikeouts in 27 2/3 innings with a 4.55 ERA.

Urías was called up for his MLB debut eight years and two days after Clayton Kershaw, and he was optioned (technically, for the second time — though he didn’t miss a start) eight years and three days after Kershaw. A comparison of their opening acts with the Dodgers:

Kershaw (May 25-July 1, 2008): age 20, eight starts, 38 2/3 innings, 4.42 ERA (99 ERA+), 1.63 WHIP, 7.7 K/9
Urías (May 27-July 4, 2016): age 19, eight starts, 36 1/3 innings, 4.95 ERA (80 ERA+), 1.54 WHIP, 10.9 K/9

Dodgers option Luis Avilan to Oklahoma City

By Jon Weisman

On May 26, 2016

In Transactions

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Luis Avilan has been optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City by the Dodgers, making room on the 25-man roster for the impending promotion of Julio Urias.

In his most recent stint with the Dodgers, Avilan retired the only batter he faced during Los Angeles’ 8-2 victory Tuesday over Cincinnati.

— Jon Weisman

Avilan, Bolsinger called up — Tsao to disabled list, Stripling optioned

By Jon Weisman

On May 23, 2016

In Bullpen, Transactions

Ross Stripling pitched three shutout innings Sunday. (Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

Ross Stripling, whose season began with 7 1/3 no-hit innings April 8 in San Francisco, pitched three shutout innings Sunday in his relief debut. (Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

By Jon Weisman

Regrouping after throwing 582 pitches in three games at San Diego — and losing one of their pitchers to the disabled list in the process — the Dodgers are bringing up two fresh arms for their pitching staff.

Dodgers exchange Luis for Louis

By Jon Weisman

On April 25, 2016

In Transactions

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

Marlins at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Kiké Hernandez, LF
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Yasiel Puig, RF
Justin Turner, 3B
Yasmani Grandal, 1B
Trayce Thompson, CF
A.J. Ellis, C
Charlie Culberson, SS
Ross Stripling, P

By Jon Weisman

Louis Coleman is returning from his bereavement leave to the Dodger bullpen, with Luis Avilan returning to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Coleman, who last pitched April 19, has allowed four runs, four hits and four walks in five innings for the Dodgers, with three strikeouts.

Avilan pitched in all three games the Dodgers just played in Colorado. He struck out the only batter he faced Friday, gave up a hit (and a run) among the two batters he faced Saturday and allowed two hits and two walks (one intentional) against four batters Sunday.

Carl Crawford is expected to be activated from the disabled list Tuesday, Dave Roberts said today.

Dodger Thoughts

Jon Weisman's outlet for dealing psychologically with the Los Angeles Dodgers, baseball and life

Tag: Luis Avilan (Page 1 of 2)

Dodger bullpen runs deep heading into NLDS

Andrew Friedman, Dave Roberts explain Dodgers’ NLDS roster choices

Dodgers’ NLDS roster essentially set

McCarthy, like Anderson, getting a look out of bullpen

Dodgers have baker’s dozen in bullpen — and counting

Shawn Zarraga to back up at catcher tonight, while Scott Van Slyke is moved to 60-day DL

Brett Anderson, Scott Kazmir placed on DL

Joe Blanton returns, Luis Avilan optioned

Dodgers hang on after Norris’ 6 1/3 shutout innings

Dodgers activate Pederson, send Ryu back to DL

Dodgers activate Hyun-Jin Ryu, call up Carlos Frias

Dodgers to recall Luis Avilan, option Julio Urías

Dodgers option Luis Avilan to Oklahoma City

Avilan, Bolsinger called up — Tsao to disabled list, Stripling optioned

Dodgers exchange Luis for Louis

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