DENVER -- The Dodgers activated All-Star pitcher Ross Stripling on Friday, juggled their starters for Sunday and Monday and were about to open a showdown series against first-place Colorado with a closer by committee.
First Stripling, who finally returns after nearly a month on the disabled list from lower back soreness he believes stems from a soft hotel mattress the last time the Dodgers were in Denver. Stripling said he's been told by the club that he might resume starting again before the season is over, but he's in the bullpen for now.
"We're a team that plays matchups, so if a lefty is up in the rotation but the team we're facing has trouble against righties, since I was going to start against the Cardinals when I got hurt, I think that could definitely happen," said Stripling, who was ticketed to the bullpen after a shaky July when he was placed on the DL instead.