Axford activated; Goeddel placed on DL

Dodgers pay tribute to Ethier with retirement ceremony

August 3rd, 2018

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers activated right-handed reliever on Friday and placed reliever on the 10-day disabled list with right lat inflammation.
Axford was acquired at Tuesday's non-waiver Trade Deadline from Toronto for Minor League pitcher Corey Copping.
Axford is the latest candidate for a setup role in the Dodgers' bullpen, which has been without one since left for free agency over the winter. The bullpen this season has been hit by injuries to relievers Josh Fields, Tony Cingrani, , , , and now Goeddel, who allowed a three-run homer to on Thursday night.
Management believes Axford has promise because over his career he has been equally effective against left-handed hitters and right-handed hitters. A former closer who saved 46 games in 2011, he had a 4.41 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP in 45 games for the Blue Jays.
Cingrani has been experiencing continued left shoulder discomfort and a new MRI revealed no structural damage. He received a cortisone shot that will further delay his return. He's been on the disabled list since June 7.
came out of an impressive four-inning rehab start Thursday night healthy and has another one scheduled for next week. He's been out since May 3 with a serious groin strain.
Dodgers honor Ethier: The Dodgers celebrated the retirement and career of former outfielder Andre Ethier before the game. Ethier spent his entire big league career in Los Angeles from 2006-17. The ceremony included tributes from teammates, coaches and friends.
In a press conference, Ethier said he had hoped to keep playing this season, but "when you can't find a job, I guess you retire." Among teammates attending the conference were Matt Kemp, , and .
"If I could do one more thing again, it would be to play one more game with Matt," he said. "So much fun. Glad to see he's doing his thing again. I can relate to people counting you out. I'm thankful for him being one of my wing guys all these years."

Ethier said he agreed to the tribute to help provide closure for his family, including his sons, "who grew up at this stadium." The family took its first summer vacation this year.
Ethier said among his greatest satisfaction is having helped an organization revival from the days of bankruptcy to the World Series.
"It's flattering to have all this fuss," he said. "For a guy who's just another player, there's a long line of great Dodgers to walk these hallways and put this uniform on. It means a lot to me. I'm not going to deny that. It meant a lot to play for 12 years in front of these fans. L.A. is an unbelievable place to play in."

• This from Twins manager Paul Molitor, on new Dodgers second baseman : "I'm happy for him. That's about my only thought. I mean, I was watching the game the first night when he hit one (a homer). I just saw the highlights last night. I'm not surprised. I don't think it's going to affect him to be a part of the Dodgers in a pennant race. Dozier would always say, 'I'm not going to change, wherever I'm going,' but I think he also has the ability to elevate things when they're out on the line a little bit more. It's a good start."