Dodgers activate left-handed pitcher Victor González
by Rowan Kavner
Manager Dave Roberts said there was a good probability of left-handed pitcher Victor González rejoining the club this week. The Dodgers made that move official Monday.
González was activated from the 10-day injured list, while right-hander Jake Reed was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. González missed nine games with left plantar fasciitis. He has a 2.57 ERA with 26 strikeouts and 15 walks in 28 innings this year.
González only walked two batters in 20 1/3 innings in his debut season last year. Roberts has said González’s command hasn’t been as consistent as it was last season, which has a mechanical element, but he has still been relied upon frequently. His 36 appearances rank third on the team and are the most of any left-handed pitcher on the club.
“I think for Victor, like most pitchers, they get too rotational,” Roberts said. “When his direction is more linear, he’s a dynamic athlete.”
González made one rehab appearance with Low-A Rancho Cucamonga, striking out two batters in a 13-pitch perfect inning last Friday.
Reed appeared in six games for the Dodgers, allowing two earned runs and striking out five batters in 5 1/3 relief innings in his debut season. Reed, who was acquired by the Dodgers on June 4 after being released by the Angels, didn’t allow an earned run in any of his last four outings.
