LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers optioned pitchers JP Feyereisen, Landon Knack and Gus Varland on Friday, primarily setting their roster for when the common season resumes on Thursday. Which means a spot within the bullpen for rookie Kyle Damage, amongst others.
Damage chopped batters between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma Metropolis final season, with 152 strikeouts in 92 innings and a 39.2 % strikeout fee. He impressed in his main league debut final September, with two excellent innings and three strikeouts towards San Diego.
Final week, he made his first Opening Day roster.
Damage stated Sunday he was extra shocked to search out out he was going to South Korea than he was when he came upon he made the opening day roster even whereas in Seoul.
“Mark [Prior] he pulled me apart and informed me, “Damage stated of understanding he made the opening day roster. “It didn't actually come till I really performed within the sport, which was a uncool.”
A beginning pitcher all through the minors, Damage was stretched to 3 innings throughout spring coaching, typically counting bullpen work after a Cactus League look. However his position now with the Dodgers is in reduction, typically at a second's discover, like Thursday when he pitched two innings of reduction, the second pitcher since Yoshinobu Yamamoto's one-inning debut. Damage allowed one run on three hits.
“If you begin on the fifth day, you’ve gotten a routine that holds. It's one thing you do all of your profession. It's a little bit totally different to alter. Some issues are related, some days I’ve to essentially perceive how my arm feels, and take it quiet some days,” Damage stated. “It's extra about me studying to regulate how my arm feels.”
Damage stated he talked to quite a few relievers on the workforce for recommendation on the right way to change his routine to remain prepared at quick discover. However most of all, he embraced the chance to return to the majors.
“I take it as it’s. I'm completely satisfied to be right here. No matter they want, I'm greater than prepared to do,” Damage stated. “I simply wish to compete, anyplace, it doesn't matter.”
