LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers are targeting a Friday return to the bullpen for Thomas Stripling, who has been out since the last trip to Colorado with lower back pain.
Stripling threw an "up-and-down" two-inning bullpen session on Sunday and will throw a simulated game on Tuesday before being activated for Friday.
Urias stalls out
Optimism over Julio Urias impacting the pennant race is fading. More than a year after shoulder surgery, Urias has had mixed results in a Minor League rehab assignment. His most recent appearance on Friday night was cut short after three batters because of pitch count.
The Dodgers had hoped Urias would have progressed enough by now to provide left-handed relief help and return next year as a starter. Manager Dave Roberts said Urias isn't off his radar for a return this year, but he conceded there haven't been any signs relayed to him that Urias is ready for a big league pennant race.
"I don't know when he's going to pitch again," said Roberts. "I know [the last outing] didn't go well as far as results. I haven't asked about it. We said from the beginning that when he's right physically and performance-wise, then he'll come. If either of those things doesn't happen, then it doesn't make sense for us or him."
Gale, Farmer called up
Catcher Rocky Gale was selected from Triple-A Oklahoma City, a reward for a fine season. He also becomes a third option behind the plate with Yasmani Grandal and Austin Barnes. The 30-year-old Gale had brief callups by San Diego in 2015 and 2017.

James Farmer has been listed at catcher, but he played infield most of the season and was recalled to be a right-handed bat off the bench.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers placed pitcher Brock Stewart on the 60-day disabled list with an oblique injury.