The Dodgers have recalled right-hander Ross Stripling from Triple-A Oklahoma City and placed right-hander Chris Hatcher on the 10-day disabled list with what is being called a “thoracic inflammation.”

This will be Striplings second stint with the big club, having posted a record of 0-3 with a 4.00 ERA in 36.0 relief innings in his 21 appearances thus far this season. He also collected his first major league save on May 27 against the defending World Series champion Cubs at Dodger Stadium – a three-inning save to boot.

Although originally drafted as a starting pitcher, a crowded Dodgers rotation forced Stripling into the bullpen this season – a position that he has adapted to exceptionally well.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

The 27-year-old Blue Bell, Pennsylvania native, who was selected by the Dodgers in the fifth round of the 2012 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of of Texas A&M, was optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City on June 16, where he last pitched on Monday, June 19. In that outing, he struck out two in his one perfect inning of relief against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Brewers).

Ironically, even with his brief time away from the Dodgers, Stripling is currently tied for 12th in strikeouts (39) and ranks 13th in innings pitched (36.0 IP) among all National League relievers.

Hatcher last pitched in Thursday night’s 6-3 win over the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium, where he allowed one run and one hit in his 1.1 innings pitched. In his 26 relief appearances this season, the 32-year-old Kinston, North Carolina native is 0-1 with a 4.66 ERA. He struck out 43 while walking 12 in his 36.2 innings of work this season. Unfortunately, he has also given up seven home runs thus far this season, tops among all Dodger relievers.