Dodgers News: Alex Vesia Draws Short Straw as Phil Bickford Activated from IL

A bit of roster movement for the Astros series.

The Dodgers announced a roster move ahead of game one of the three game set with the Astros. The headline move is the return of Phil Bickford off the IL. But the real story is the demotion of Alex Vesia back to Triple-A.

Bill Plunkett was among those to report the move.

#Dodgers bullpen shuffle continues. RHP Phil Bickford is activated from IL. LHP Alex Vesia is sent back to AAA for second time this season. No move coming with Max Muncy before Sunday now

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) June 24, 2023

Vesia returns to the minor leagues for the second time in what has been a tough year for the left-hander. He allowed 9 earned runs over his first 13 outings then was shockingly sent down to AAA at the start of May. Not shocking that it wasn't deserved but shocking in that he'd been a key reliever for Dave Roberts over the last two seasons.

He spent a few weeks with Oklahoma City and pitched well after a blow up outing in his first game back. Since his return to the Dodgers on May 30th, his struggles resumed as 7 more earned runs have crossed the plate in 8.2 innings pitched. Runs have scored in 5 of his 9 outings.

The Dodgers will once again hope a little confidence booster will help him get back online.

Next, Bickford has been sidelined since the start of June with a case of the struggles with a side of lower back tightness. The veteran right-hander hit the IL on June 3rd and missed the better part of three weeks recovering. He tossed a perfect inning in a minor league rehab outing on June 20th.

When he has been on the roster he's been mostly terrible with a 7.33 ERA in 23 games. Considering he's out of minor league options, he may not be long for this roster.