Michael Grove tends to get overlooked when compared to other Los Angeles Dodgers pitching prospects, but the right-hander was back up with the team on Monday to start for Tony Gonsolin, who was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right forearm strain.
Grove made his MLB debut on May 15, when he pitched 3.2 innings against what was a red-hot Philadelphia Phillies team. He allowed four runs — all unearned — and collected three strikeouts against three walks. Grove then made a relief appearance for the Dodgers on June 1, allowing three earned runs in one inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
After some struggles with Triple-A Oklahoma City to close out the month of June, the 25-year-old produced seven consecutive appearances (five starts) of two earned runs or fewer. Grove carried that momentum into his start for the Dodgers, as he held the Miami Marlins to just two runs.
Manager Dave Roberts commended Grove for his performance and explained removing him with two outs in the fifth inning was a calculated decision, via SportsNet LA:
“He did a fantastic job. We didn’t make some plays that we should have to help him, and there was some more left in there, in my opinion. I just felt he did enough to put us in position to win and I wanted him to feel good about this outing. I thought he did great.”
Grove faced immediate trouble as a chopper down the first-base line skipped off Freddie Freeman’s glove and rolled for a leadoff double in the first inning. Joey Wendle later came around to score on a groundout.
Grove then worked around a Justin Turner error that put the leadoff man on base in the second inning, along with a walk. The Marlins’ second was a result of Garrett Cooper’s triple being followed two batters later by an RBI bloop single into center field. Grove allowed another base hit before getting through the inning.
In three games (two starts) with the Dodgers, he’s yet to earn a decision and has pitched to a 4.82 ERA and 1.82 WHIP.
Will Michael Grove remain on Dodgers roster?
Considering the current state of the bullpen and with Clayton Kershaw’s impending return later this week, the Dodgers figure to option Grove back to Oklahoma City on Tuesday. Jake Reed could be recalled to take Grove’s place on the active roster, as he was added to the Dodgers’ taxi squad over the weekend.
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