Dodgers' bullpen problems summed up after they re-sign pitcher they just DFA'd

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That was fast! On Monday, the Los Angeles Dodgers designated relief pitcher Chris Stratton for assignment after they made a trade with the Seattle Mariners. They called up fellow pitcher Ryan Loutos in his place.

On Friday, the Dodgers re-signed Stratton (who was added to the active roster) and designated Loutos for assignment. Yes, the circle of life in MLB, they say. Earlier in the day, the Dodgers optioned Landon Knack and recalled Justin Wrobleski from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Loutos made his second appearance of the season with the Dodgers on June 4 in a loss against the New York Mets. He failed to keep the 3-0 game in reach by surrendering an additional three runs over his two innings of work.

Not only do the Dodgers need fresh arms, but they need ones that can deliver, no matter how low on the totem pole. The good news is that reinforcements are on the way, but not everybody will be in pristine shape upon returning from injury.

The bullpen train must keep chugging along, and the Dodgers figured Stratton's return was more worthwhile than taking a chance on Loutos (or giving him a longer leash). At least Stratton is a veteran who was a sought-after trade candidate back in 2023. Loutos has just 5 1/3 innings of MLB experience and could easily be stashed in the minor leagues without much of a protest.

Dodgers News: Chris Stratton re-signed, Ryan Loutis designated for assignment

The moral of the story, though? The Dodgers pitching staff is down bad. Nobody ever thought they'd see Jose Ureña and and Lou Trivino logging meaningful innings while Tanner Scott, Alex Vesia and Anthony Banda face struggles simultaneously. LA has also lost depth when Luis Garcia went down with an injury on Saturday. Not to mention, Evan Phillips was officially lost for the year when he underwent Tommy John surgery on June 4.

Stratton signed with the Dodgers on May 25 and is already back. Though the Dodgers have had to do a lot of creative and aggressive shuffling, it's safe to say this couldn't have been part of their plan. Lord have mercy on this battered pitching staff. Just don't be surprised if Stratton is DFA'd once other guys start to return in the coming days/weeks.