In an attempt to compensate for overusing their bullpen … again, the Dodgers have recalled right-hander Ross Stripling from Triple-A Oklahoma City and optioned left-hander Grant Dayton back there.

Stripling, who began the season as the team’s fifth starter, posted a 2-3 record and 4.53 ERA in his nine games (eight starts) before being optioned back to OKC on May 23 to “conserved his innings” as he recovers from Tommy John surgery in March of 2014. The 26-year-old Bluebell, Pennsylvania native and Dodgers 2012 fifth-round draft pick out of Texas A&M posted a combined 0-3 record and 3.66 ERA in six games (five starts) with Oklahoma City and the Arizona Rookie League Dodgers.

“It’s an inning limit. The DL is just for the paper trail I guess,” said Stripling about his assignment to the AZL Rookie League.

Stripling said that his recent DL stint was “an inning limit” thing to protect his surgically-repaired right elbow. “I’m good to go,” he added. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Dayton made his major league debut in Friday night’s marathon 16-inning affair. The 28-year-old Huntsville, Alabama native did not allow a run or a hit in his two innings of work while striking out two and walking none. He did hit a batter but that, nor he, figured into the eventual 4-3 Dodgers loss.

Although Stripling has been used primarily as a starter and figures to continue doing so in the future, his recall prior to Saturday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals was undoubtedly made to provide long relief to give the Dodgers overused bullpen some much-needed and well-deserved rest. The Dodgers are hoping that right-hander Kenta Maeda will further this cause when he squares off against Cardinals right-hander Mike Leake later this evening.