Dodgers claim lefty Dennick from Reds, designate Huff
Right-hander Frias recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City
LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers continued searching for pitching solutions Wednesday by recalling reliever Carlos Frias, claiming left-handed reliever Ryan Dennick from Cincinnati and optioning him to Double-A Tulsa, and designating left-hander David Huff for assignment.
Huff was promoted to make the Tuesday night spot start and allowed first-inning home runs to Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz. If Huff clears waivers, he can reject a Minor League assignment, but Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said he hopes Huff would accept it.
Frias was scheduled to start for Triple-A Oklahoma City, but got the callup and will slide into a long-relief role. Huff lasted only four innings Tuesday. Juan Nicasio pitched two innings in relief.
Dennick, 28, had been pitching at Triple-A, but was designated for assignment Monday.
Tuesday night was the first time the Dodgers needed a fifth starter this season. Injured starter Hyun-Jin Ryu is not expected back before May.
A fifth starter will be needed again on April 25. Mattingly said that starter hasn't been picked yet, but Frias has started in the big leagues, with mixed results.