Chayce McDermott Called Up as Dodgers Face Mounting Bullpen Injuries

The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled relief pitcher Chayce McDermott from Triple-A Oklahoma City to address ongoing depth issues, following the placement of Blake Treinen on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. The corresponding roster move underscores the team's escalating injury challenges within its relief corps.

Treinen's Injury Details

Treinen reported range-of-motion issues in his right elbow on Saturday, one day after pitching a scoreless inning in Friday's walkoff victory against the Baltimore Orioles. Imaging revealed inflammation caused by wear and tear rather than structural damage, allowing manager Dave Roberts to characterize the injury as manageable. The veteran reliever, who has maintained a 3.52 ERA across 29 appearances this season, is expected to receive rest and treatment rather than surgical intervention and may not require the full 15-day minimum absence.

The injury compounds existing frustration with Treinen's performance. Despite entering the season as a reliable back-end bullpen option, he has experienced inconsistency that dates back to the previous year, prompting Roberts to seek lower-leverage situations to aid his recovery. Kyle Hurt and Will Klein have since emerged as preferred right-handed leverage relievers.

McDermott's Role and Track Record

McDermott arrives with limited runway at the major league level. The right-hander posted a 5.40 ERA with Triple-A Oklahoma City and appeared in one game for the Dodgers earlier this season, delivering a scoreless inning. His recall signals the organization's willingness to deploy unconventional depth options as injuries mount across the pitching staff.

Broader Injury Picture

Treinen joins a growing list of Dodgers relievers sidelined by injury. Brock Stewart, recovering from a left foot bone spur, could return as soon as Monday in Minnesota. Evan Phillips, who underwent Tommy John surgery, remains on track for activation in early July following completion of his Triple-A rehabilitation assignment. Closer Edwin Díaz, who underwent surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow earlier in the season, began bullpen work this week, positioning him for a return sometime after the All-Star break.