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Dodgers Way Quick Hits: Maeda, Bullpen Help, Valera, Stewart

By Michael Wittman

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 23: Kenta Maeda #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts to his strikeout of Gerardo Parra #8 of the Colorado Rockies to end the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on May 23, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 23: Kenta Maeda #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts to his strikeout of Gerardo Parra #8 of the Colorado Rockies to end the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on May 23, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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The Dodgers lost to the Phillies on Tuesday night 6-1 and fell to 4 1/2 games back of the first place Rockies.  The Dodgers have two games left with the Phillies before they head to Colorado to try and shrink the Rockies division lead.  The Dodgers will look for some length out of Ross Stripling tonight after two consecutive short outings by Brock Stewart and Kenta Maeda.  Stripling has all but cemented a spot in the Dodgers’ rotation and will look to put a stronger grip on his rotation spot with another strong start.

Other news…

Kenta Maeda left Tuesday night’s start with a right hip strain.  It’s not yet clear how long Maeda will be out but it was clear that Dave Roberts took no chances and pulled Maeda before he was able to finish the second inning.  Roberts did

say

after the game that Maeda could land on the disabled list.  The injury impact is lessened by the fact that Clayton Kershaw returns on Thursday but it is still a bummer as Maeda was pitching as well as he ever has as a starting pitcher.  Maeda is

scheduled

to undergo an MRI on Wednesday which should reveal the full extent of the injury.

More from LA Dodgers News

The Dodgers recalled Breyvic Valera from Triple-A prior to Tuesday’s game and optioned Brock Stewart back to Oklahoma City.  Valera has had a strong season so far for the OKC Dodgers posting a .317 average with a .393 on-base percentage and six home runs.  Valera flew out in his only plate appearance on Tuesday and it’s possible he could get a start on Wednesday or Thursday as the Dodgers have no off days this week.

Speaking of Brock Stewart, it is very possible that he could once again earn frequent flier miles and be recalled back to the Dodgers to start in Kenta Maeda’s place for his next turn in the rotation.  Rich Hill is still not close to a return and it doesn’t seem likely the Dodgers will give a youngster like Dennis Santana a shot yet so Brock Stewart is the most logical option to start for Kenta.

  • Dave Roberts also mentioned after the game Tuesday that the Dodgers will get a reliever or two on Wednesday after the bullpen has been taxed the last two games.  Kenta Maeda to the DL is one likely move to clear a roster spot for a reliever and another could be the club cutting ties with Daniel Hudson who has struggled mightily in his time with the Dodgers.

    • Next: Should the Dodgers trade Puig?

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