Dodgers Make Surprising Roster Move After Placing Dustin May on Injured List

I didn't see this one coming.

The Los Angeles Dodgers made the move we were expecting on Thursday, officially placing right-handed pitcher Dustin May on the 15-day injured list. Interestingly enough, the team called his injury a "right forearm strain," which is different from the flexor pronator strain they called it on Wednesday.

Either way, May is out, and the Dodgers had an open roster spot. It was expected that the team would just be calling up LHP Justin Bruihl, a move manager Dave Roberts alluded to on Wednesday. However, that wasn't the only move they made.

Additionally, the team decided to designate one of the heroes of Wednesday's game — RHP Dylan Covey — for assignment, to create another roster spot. With that open spot, they recalled RHP Andre Jackson from Triple-A.

The Dodgers have officially placed RHP Dustin May on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain.

The team has also DFA'd Dylan Covey.

Justin Bruihl and Andre Jackson are back with the team.

— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) May 18, 2023

Jackson struggled mightily in his 11.1 innings at the major league level this season. He allowed 17 hits and 10 earned runs, giving him an ERA of 7.54. He also allowed five home runs, a big reason he was sent down to Triple-A in the first place.

With Oklahoma City, though, Jackson has been able to settle in. He's pitched 11.0 innings and has allowed just three hits and three runs, although he has walked eight. Most importantly, though, he's given up zero home runs.

The Dodgers bullpen has been greatly taxed over the last three days thanks to short starts from Noah Syndergaard, Clayton Kershaw and then the injury to May. So, Jackson, who's built up to throw multiple innings, should provide a boost to the bullpen that desperately needs a rest.

As for Covey, he'll now go on waivers, where every team will be free to sign him. If he clears waivers, though, the Dodgers will be able to send him right back to Triple-A Oklahoma City. If that's the case, he should be able to make another appearance for the Dodgers at some point this season — he's definitely earned another opportunity with someone.