With Brett Anderson’s next start in jeopardy, Ross Stripling rejoins Dodgers

Three days after being optioned to the minor leagues, Ross Stripling rejoined the Dodgers as a member of the taxi squad. His presence clarifies the severity of the blister on Brett Anderson’s left index finger. With Anderson uncertain to make his start on Thursday at Dodger Stadium, Stripling looms as a potential replacement.

The Dodgers did not add Stripling to the roster for Monday’s game. Roberts listed both Stripling and Bud Norris as options for Thursday, if Anderson’s blister forces him out of action. Because Stripling was optioned less than 10 days ago, the Dodgers would need to place a player on the disabled list in order to activate him.

“If Brett doesn’t respond to treatment, then that would probably be the corresponding move,” Roberts said.

Anderson has pitched in two games this season. Both classify as disasters. He lasted one inning in his debut. The blister bothered him midway through a three-inning nightmare on Saturday night here. Anderson has a 24.75 earned-run average thus far.

Anderson played catch with Clayton Kershaw on Monday morning. He was not cleared to throw any breaking balls, Roberts said.

All three options for Thursday trigger alarms. In his return from the disabled list on Friday, Norris gave up six runs and could not finish the fourth inning. Stripling has experienced difficulty in lasting deep into games – a trait that does not make him much different than his teammates, of course.

And Anderson may be physically unable to perform.

“If a pitcher is not feeling 100%, whether it be a blister or any other health thing, it’s a concern,” Roberts said. “But I do believe that if Brett is right, and feeling well, he can get major-league hitters out consistently. He’s shown that. But, obviously, yeah, his first two times coming back from the disabled list haven’t been something he wants to hang his hat on.”

The Dodgers scratched struggling outfielder Josh Reddick from the lineup Monday morning due to a jammed middle finger on his right hand. Reddick felt uncomfortable throwing the baseball, and so the team put rookie Andrew Toles into the lineup. With Giants left-handed pitcher Madison Bumgarner scheduled to start on Tuesday, Reddick will likely receive two days off to rest.