The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing an injury to yet another key player, as the club placed left-hander Ted Lilly on their 15-day disabled list with shoulder inflammation. To replace Lilly in their rotation, the Dodgers have recalled 22-year-old right-hander Nathan Eovaldi from Double-A.
Lilly told the Dodgers that he had been experiencing the discomfort in his shoulder since his May 18 start against the St. Louis Cardinals. Lilly logged seven innings that start while not surrendering any earned runs, though the veteran wasn’t quite as fortunate in his latest appearance.
Lilly was shelled in his most recent start, May 23, against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Over his 3 1/3 innings pitched, Lilly allowed eight earned runs on nine hits while walking five.
No MRI has been taken on Lilly’s shoulder. At this point, Lilly has received a cortisone injection and is taking anti-inflammatory medication for his shoulder injury. LA is giving Lilly the week off in hopes that this regiment will allow him to return without missing significant time.
Even following his debacle against the Diamondbacks, Lilly still maintains an ERA and WHIP of 3.14 and 1.130 over his 48 2/3 innings of work in 2012.
The Dodgers have recalled Eovaldi from Double-A to take over Lilly’s spot in their starting rotation. Eovaldi made his debut for the Dodgers last season, posting an ERA and WHIP of 3.63 and 1.385 over his 10 appearances including six starts.
This season for the Dodgers Double-A affiliate, Eovaldi has managed an ERA and WHIP of 3.09 and 1.229. The right-hander has a career minor league ERA and WHIP of 3.28 and 1.328 with 7.4 SO/9 and 3.7 BB/9.
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