Dodgers manager Dave Roberts named Ross Stripling his fifth starter on Friday, saying the rookie right-hander will start April 8 in San Francisco and remain in the rotation “in the near term.”
Stripling, who has never pitched a game above Double-A in his life, beat out two pitchers with major league experience: Carlos Frias and Zach Lee. Frias was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he’ll be joined by Lee.
Lee is at Dodger Stadium. He will pitch in relief of Alex Wood on Saturday in Anaheim before returning to the minors.
Stripling appeared in four Cactus League games with the Dodgers this spring, going 1-1 with a 4.09 ERA in 11 innings. He was optioned to the Dodgers’ minor league camp on March 17.
Stripling had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in March 2014 and missed the entire season. He returned last June and finished the season at Double-A Tulsa.
Roberts said that Stripling will throw a simulated game here on Sunday, which will line him up for next Friday’s start.
