Chargois joins 'pen as Ryu goes on shelf

ST. LOUIS -- The Dodgers on Tuesday recalled right-handed pitcher JT Chargois from Triple-A Oklahoma City and placed left-handed pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu on the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain.

Ryu left Monday’s start against the Cardinals after just 1 2/3 innings, creating a long night for a bullpen that has thrown 19 2/3 innings in the past four games.

Chargois, 28, gives the bullpen a fresh arm. He has made one appearance this season for Oklahoma City, allowing a run and striking out two in 1 2/3 innings. He appeared in 39 games for the Dodgers last season, posting a 2-4 record with a 3.34 ERA.

“He’s had three days off,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He’s got plus fastball, a slider, just to go after hitters and attack, pound the strike zone, keep these guys off balance. Those guys [the Cardinals] are good over there, a tough lineup, but I like JT here.”

The possibility of switching Clayton Kershaw’s rehab start in Double-A Tulsa to a “rehab” start with the Dodgers on Tuesday was discussed. Kershaw, the team’s ace who has been recovering from left shoulder inflammation, is expected to rejoin the rotation over the weekend.

Kershaw allowed two runs, both on solo homers, in six innings Tuesday for Tulsa, striking out six and walking none. He threw 59 of 81 pitches for strikes.

“We really considered it," Roberts said. "But I think at the end of the day, to bring Chargois to give us two innings, potentially 40 pitches, a fresh arm and to have Clayton do his progression, if something unforeseen happens tonight in a quote-unquote rehab start here with us, to not be able to build him up will have a lasting effect on him and slow that process, which we’re not in a position to do.”

It remains to be seen what the Dodgers will do for a starter for Ryu’s spot on Saturday. The earliest Kershaw would be able to go would be Sunday, and Roberts ruled out a bullpen game, meaning the club could call up a pitcher for a spot start.

Ryu’s injury is the same that sidelined him last season from May 3 through Aug. 15, but it isn’t believed to be as serious. Roberts said there are no plans for an MRI.

“Right now he feels better than he did [Monday] night, which is a good sign,” Roberts said. “When he picks up a baseball, we haven’t made that determination, and obviously there’s going to be some type of bullpen just to kind of see how it feels on the mound.”

Worth noting
Rich Hill, who is on the injured list with a strained left knee, threw about 30 pitches in a successful bullpen on Tuesday. Roberts expects him to throw a more vigorous bullpen in three days, hopefully followed by a simulated game and a rehab assignment.