LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers will get a first look at their No. 1 prospect, Walker Buehler, at the Major League level as the club plans to call up the righty on Wednesday.
Manager Dave Roberts said Buehler will get opportunities to be used out of the Dodgers' bullpen down the stretch. The 2015 first-round pick transitioned into a relief role at the start of August while with Triple-A Oklahoma City, after beginning the Minor League season as a starter in Class A and Double-A, as well as making three starts in Triple-A.
• Dodgers Top 30 Prospects
Buehler, who had Tommy John surgery in 2015, has thrown 88 2/3 innings in the Minors this season, sporting a 3.35 ERA in 28 games with 125 strikeouts.
"He's had a very quick ascension," Roberts said of the 23-year-old Buehler. "He's ultra, ultra competitive and ultra talented."
Whether or not Buehler will get a spot on the Dodgers' playoff roster is still up in the air, but the Dodgers see his callup as an opportunity for Buehler to get some much-needed experience in the Majors and to help the club down the stretch.
"It all depends on how he fares," Roberts said about Buehler possibly making a postseason roster. "He's going to get opportunities, but when you're talking about the postseason, we're really not thinking about a postseason roster. I can honestly say that. We want to put eyes on him. He's earned it. To be around our guys, Kenley [Jansen], Clayton [Kershaw], Rich [Hill] and have Rick [Honeycutt] put eyes on him, this is a good thing for his development. He's going to get opportunities and like I say, every day is a test."
Seager starts throwing program
The Dodgers are planning to have their All-Star shortstop, Corey Seager, back in the starting the lineup during their upcoming series against the Rockies this weekend at Dodger Stadium. Roberts said there isn't a set date for the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year to return, but he is expected to make a start as long as he continues to progress from his elbow injury.
Seager has not started the last three games and has only appeared in pinch-hitting situations because he's had issues throwing.
The Dodgers called up shortstop Charlie Culberson from Triple-A OKC on Monday to start at shortstop and Seager is still available to be used in pinch-hit situations if needed. Seager took grounders on Monday and started a throwing program, which "went well," Roberts said.
"I think it was a positive day for him."
Worth noting
• Joc Pederson and Trayce Thompson will be recalled from Triple-A and will rejoin the team on Tuesday. The Dodgers also plan to recall James Farmer after his 10-day option period is over.
• Righty Brandon McCarthy is still dealing with blister issues and was transferred to the 60-day disabled list retroactive to July 21. Roberts said McCarthy will make another Minor League start with Class A Rancho Cucamonga next week and the Dodgers will take the next step from there.
• Right-hander Josh Fields was reinstated from the 10-day DL after a back injury caused him to land on the DL.
• Yu Darvish donated $100,000 through the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation toward Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.