LOS ANGELES ― The last time Yency Almonte appeared at Dodger Stadium before Thursday, he walked two of the seven batters he faced. Of the other five hitters, four struck out. It was a typical outing in many ways for Almonte, whose 2021 season with the Colorado Rockies was uneven at best.
Almonte became a free agent after last season and signed a minor league contract with the Dodgers when the lockout ended in March. The 27-year-old right-hander returned to the majors on Thursday, when the Dodgers selected his contract from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
The Dodgers didn’t have to make a corresponding 40-man roster move to accommodate Almonte. Ryan Pepiot, their top pitching prospect who debuted Wednesday in Pittsburgh, was optioned to Triple-A to make room on the 26-man roster.
Beleaguered to the tune of a 7.55 ERA last year in Colorado, Almonte has turned around his career in short order. He faced 56 hitters to begin the Triple-A season without issuing a walk. He racked up 25 strikeouts in 15⅓ innings. His ERA stood at 3.52 at the time of his call-up.
Now, with the Dodgers amid a stretch of 31 games in 30 days, the bullpen needs a breather.
“He’s a big-league pitcher that we were fortunate to have on a non-roster situation in spring training,” Manager Dave Roberts said of Almonte. “It’s an electric arm.”
Almonte embraced an aggressive approach in camp under the guidance of pitching coaches Mark Prior and Connor McGuiness, which he then carried over to the regular season. A four-pitch pitcher in the past, Almonte leaned into his sinker and slider.
The results spoke for themselves. Before long, Oklahoma City manager Travis Barbary was deploying Almonte in high-leverage situations late in games.
Almonte made his Dodger debut in the seventh inning Thursday night against the Phillies. He retired all six batters he faced, striking out four.
DOUBLEHEADER PLANS
Despite being optioned, Pepiot is eligible to rejoin the Dodgers for Tuesday’s doubleheader against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Roberts said Pepiot is “in the mix” to start one of the two games.
Tuesday will mark Tyler Anderson’s next turn in the rotation. The left-hander will be able to start the other game on regular rest.
Right-hander Mitch White is eligible to return from the COVID-19 injured list, but the right-hander will not appear in the doubleheader. White is using his time on the IL to build up his pitch count in anticipation of starting. Roberts said White is already built up to two innings.
ALSO
Victor Gonzalez underwent an arthroscopic debridement procedure on his left elbow, Roberts said. The relief pitcher is expected to return after the All-Star break. … David Price, who is on the COVID-19 injured list, threw off a mound Thursday and is expected to be activated next week. … Edwin Rios got his third consecutive start at third base. Roberts conceded he is more willing to ride a hot hand during the 30-day stretch. Third baseman Justin Turner was healthy but not in the starting lineup.
UP NEXT
Philadelphia (RHP Kyle Gibson, 3-1, 2.94 ERA) at Dodgers (RHP Walker Buehler, 4-1, 1.96 ERA), Friday, 7:10 p.m., SportsNet LA, MLB Network, 570 AM
