Dodgers acquire Floro, Neal from Reds
LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers acquired right-handed pitchers Dylan Floro and Zach Neal, along with international signing bonus pool space from the Reds, in exchange for Minor League pitchers James Marinan and Aneurys Zabala, the club announced on Wednesday before their game against the Pirates.
Los Angeles will send Neal to Triple-A Oklahoma City, but plans on having Floro join the Major League club. The Dodgers designated right-hander Daniel Corcino for assignment to create room on their 40-man roster.
Both players have had previous stints within the Dodgers' organization.
Floro spent the last few months of the 2017 season with Oklahoma City, making eight appearances. He went 0-1 with one save and a 5.56 ERA. The 27-year-old was called up in April by the Reds and made 25 relief outings, going 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA, while striking out 27 batters and walking 12.
"Really good sinker," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Floro. "Gets righties out and lefties. Keeps the ball down. He's a guy that can go multiple innings as well."
Neal, 29, began this season with the Dodgers as a non-roster invitee this spring. He made his only Major League appearance of 2018 in a Dodgers uniform against the D-backs on April 3 at Chase Field. He was designated for assignment on April 5 prior to being shipped to the Reds on April 17 in a trade that netted Los Angeles right-hander Ariel Hernandez.
In 18 games (three starts), Neal went 2-2 with a 5.90 ERA for Triple-A Louisville. He struck out 23 batters and walked three.
Buehler set for simulated game
Right-hander Walker Buehler will throw a simulated game on Sunday in Anaheim, when the Dodgers visit the Angels this weekend.
"We'll get some of our hitters and we'll get him up and down five times," Roberts said. "Then from that point in time, that should be the end of his rehab, and then get him back with us."
Buehler pitched three-plus innings for Class A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga on Tuesday night. The Dodgers' Rookie of the Year candidate tossed 41 pitches and struck out five, allowing two hits and a walk.
The start was effectively Buehler's first rehab outing, as the 23-year-old was retroactively placed on the disabled list Tuesday. Roberts said he expects Buehler to make at least two Minor League starts prior to rejoining the Dodgers' rotation.
Dodgers pitchers set for Arizona League stint
Left-handers Hyun Jin Ryu (left groin strain) and Tony Cingrani (left shoulder strain), as well as right-handers Pedro Báez (right biceps tendinitis) and Josh Fields (right shoulder inflammation), are set to join the Dodgers' Arizona Fall League affiliate during the Major League club's upcoming road trip.
Right-hander Tom Koehler (strained right shoulder) and left-hander Julio Urias (shoulder surgery) have been at the facility rehabbing and each recently threw bullpen sessions. Urias' fastball touched 91 and 92 mph, according to Roberts.
Dodgers to stay on rotation with off-day upcoming
Despite an off-day Thursday, the Dodgers will not skip any of their starters this weekend against the Angels, Roberts said. Right-hander Kenta Maeda will start Friday, then be followed by right-hander Ross Stripling on Saturday and left-hander Alex Wood on Sunday. Left-hander Clayton Kershaw will start Monday at San Diego.