Whenever Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman wants to speak with the media, it’s one of those “Drop what your’re doing and get over there” kind of things.

Such was the case on Sunday morning prior to the Dodgers series finale with the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. And though there was zero doubt as to what the main topic of discussion was going to be – i.e. the designating of Dodgers outfielder Carl Crawford for assignment – Friedman is always open to a Q and A session with the media about all things Dodgers related.

After giving a detailed account of the Crawford situation in a very respectful and professional manner, Friedman opened the (dugout) floor for questions. Among them was when he was planning to bring right-hander Ross Stripling back up to the Dodgers from the minor leagues … if he was planning to do so.

“He’s definitely going to come back and help us win games this year. I don’t know exactly when but there’s no doubt in my mind that he will,” Friedman said. “I don’t know exactly, we’re just kind of doing … like … he pitched the other day in extended [spring training at Camelback Ranch in Arizona], threw a pen yesterday, he’s feeling really good. We’re just trying to figure out how to manage … obviously Ryu factors into that, McCarthy factors into that, Brett Anderson, just trying to balance the time a little bit.

“The thing that we really don’t want to be in a situation of is when we get to September and October of having to shut down Strip or Urias and different guys like that,” added Friedman. “We’re trying to balance all of it.”

Although technically on the minor league 7-day DL, Stripling says that he is 100 percent healthy.
(Photo credit – Jose Carlos Fajardo)

When asked if Stripling would return as a starter or as a reliever, Friedman was a bit more vague.

“He can do either,” Friedman said. “We’ll definitely build him back up for sure and then you can go either way.”

Despite being listed on the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers’ 7-day disabled list and currently assigned to extended spring training, Stripling insists that he is 100 percent healthy and ready to rejoin the big club at any time.

“It’s an inning limit. The DL is just for the paper trail I guess,” Stripling said on Friday. “I’ll be making one to three-inning starts here [at extended spring training] for a few weeks to conserve innings for later in the year.”

Although the 26-year-old Bluebell, Pennsylvania native obviously wishes he was back up with the (LA) Dodgers right now, he understands the decision to limit his innings as he continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery on May 5, 2014.

“It’s probably the best long-term play, but it stinks right now,” Stripling said.

But regardless of when it happens, and according to the guy who makes the decisions it will happen, it’s reassuring to know that Ross Stripling is healthy and ready to go at a moment’s notice should there be an injury or other issue in the Dodgers current starting rotation.