Dodgers Make Roster Move, Send Down Recently Called-Up Pitcher

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a roster move Thursday morning. The team recalled right-handed pitcher Matt Sauer and optioned right-handed pitcher Paul Gervase.

Gervase was called up just a day prior, on Wednesday. However, he was already with the team in Colorado as he was part of the taxi squad Tuesday.

The Dodgers acquired Gervase at the trade deadline in a three-team deal with the Tampa Bay Rays and Cincinnati Reds. Gervase gave the Dodgers two innings of relief in Wednesday night’s 8-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies.

The right-hander allowed one earned run one on two hits against the Rockies, and collected two punchouts.

Sauer signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers in the offseason. He’s tossed 27.2 innings for LA this season, sporting a 6.18 ERA with 22 strikeouts in the big leagues.

The right-hander has had quite the journey as last season he went from being a Rule 5 draft pick in the Kansas City Royals’ bullpen and ended 2024 with the New York Yankees’ Double-A affiliate.

“One of the reasons I signed here was, I knew about the pitching development here,” Sauer said of his decision to join the defending champions. “Being able to work with guys like (Ryan) Dennick and Dave Anderson down in Triple-A have really helped me.”

With the Comets, Sauer has developed a change in his mechanics which has aided his durability this year. The Dodgers evidently are in need of fresh arms as Kirby Yates, Tanner Scott, and Michael Kopech are all on the injured list.

“When I was with the Yankees I had two elbow surgeries,” he said. “Last year with KC I was kind of a mix of in-between a high and low (arm) slot. This year now that I’ve been able to repeat it, my recovery’s been way better. I’ve noticed a big difference. I’m not as sore after I throw 75-plus pitches. It’s been a huge advantage.”

The Dodgers will look to take the series finale of the four-game set against Rockies Thursday afternoon.