Robbie Erlin, who was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers this past Wednesday to make room for Ryan Pepiot, cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
The Dodgers called up Erlin as their 27th player for a doubleheader with the Chicago Cubs on May 7. He joined the organization this past offseason on a Minor League contract.
Erlin appeared in two games for L.A. and has pitched at the Major League level over parts of eight seasons. Prior to this year, his most recent action came in 2020 with the Atlanta Braves when he posted an 8.49 ERA, 6.75 FIP and 1.46 WHIP over 23.1 innings (seven games, five starts).
Erlin had the choice to elect free agency because he is a veteran with at least three years of Major League service time, but he instead chose to remain in the Dodgers organization. He provides the Dodgers with much-needed pitching depth and a veteran presence in their Minor League system.
The left-hander started for Oklahoma City on Saturday against the Round Rock Express and pitched three innings, giving up one run on three hits with three strikeouts and one walk.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Erlin does make his way back onto the Dodgers roster this season, but the longer it takes, the less likely that would be.
The Dodgers have multiple pitchers set to return from the injured list at various points throughout the season, including Clayton Kershaw, Andrew Heaney, David Price, Blake Treinen, Victor González and Mitch White.
They also have pitching prospects Bobby Miller and Landon Knack on the doorstep of their debuts, while Pepiot could also push for a permanent spot on the staff.
This could create somewhat of a roster crunch late in the season, which would make it harder for Erlin to find a spot. However, he will still provide value to the organization by eating innings for Oklahoma City.
Dodgers re-sign Carson Fulmer
The Dodgersre-signed Carson Fulmer to a Minor League contract and sent him to Triple-A after he cleared waivers and was released.
The former top prospect did not have any Minor League options remaining and was designated for assignment earlier this month in order to pare the active roster down from 28 to 26 players. Fulmer somewhat surprisingly went unclaimed on waivers.
Fulmer was called up to the Dodgers on April 30 as the corresponding move to White being placed on the COVID-19 injured list but did not appear in either of the final two games against the Detroit Tigers.
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