Kyle

Hurt

The 26-year-old hurler had already been pitching at Triple-A OKC while on a rehab assignment, but he’ll continue to build up there as he continues his recovery from right shoulder inflammation. In order to free up a spot on the club’s 40-man roster, Max Muncy was transferred to the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move on Friday.

The procedural move sidelines Hurt until at least June 16. The 25-year-old righty landed on the injured list earlier this week with right shoulder inflammation. It certainly sounds like he’s going to be out for a while.

Hurt heads to the injured list after posting a solid 1.35 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 3/1 K/BB ratio across 6 2/3 innings (three appearances, one start) this season for Los Angeles. No word yet on how long he’ll wind up being sidelined, but shoulder issues can be extremely complicated matters. There should be an update on his status in the coming days.

Hurt will make his first career start on Tuesday night against the Nationals with southpaw Ryan Yarbrough expected to follow in a bulk relief role. The 25-year-old righty, who has excelled in three career relief appearances for the Dodgers, will likely work a couple frames in this one. Given his strikeout upside, there’s definitely some streaming appeal here for fantasy managers in deeper mixed leagues.

The 25-year-old hurler made two appearances during his few days with the big league club, registering a 1.93 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and a 3/1 K/BB ratio over 4 2/3 innings. The Dodgers promoted Nabil Crismatt in a corresponding move on Sunday, adding a fresh arm to their bullpen. It shouldn’t take long for Hurt to earn another opportunity in the Dodgers’ bullpen.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters afterwards that they still view Hurt as a starter long-term, but there’s a very good possibility he’ll be in the bullpen for the club’s season-opening Seoul Series against the Padres. The 25-year-old righty has struck out nine batters over six scoreless frames this spring between the Cactus League and Korea. He’s a savvy addition for fantasy managers with daily lineup moves to start the year as he could wind up tossing a couple frames against San Diego and offers some significant strikeout potential.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made it official Saturday telling reporters that Sheehan will open the season on the injured list as he continues to work his way back from general soreness at the outset of spring training. The 24-year-old right-hander, who posted a respectable 4.92 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 64/26 K/BB ratio across 60 1/3 innings (13 appearances, 11 starts) last year in his rookie season, isn’t expected to require a lengthy absence. However, he’ll need some extra time to continue building up his pitch count and stamina before making his season debut. It’ll likely be either Gavin Stone or Michael Grove filling his rotation spot with Kyle Hurt and Ryan Yarbrough also in the mix.

Hurt got the start against the A’s in Sunday’s Cactus League matchup. He induced a groundout and struck out a batter before two hitters reached on a walk and a base hit. Hurt got the final out on a line out to center field. The 25-year-old right-hander is looking to make the major league roster as a swingman or reliever. The Dodgers’ prospect totaled a 152/44 K/BB ratio over 92 innings across Double-A and Triple-A last season, showcasing excellent strikeout potential that can make an impact out of the bullpen.

Hurt looked extremely impressive on Tuesday night in his major league debut against the Padres, striking out three batters over two perfect frames in relief. The 25-year-old right-hander, who flashed an elite changeup in his first big league outing, figures to be part of Los Angeles’ bullpen mix heading into the postseason.

If anything is going to hold Hurt back in the majors, it’s that he’s still rather wild, though he’s made big gains there from last year. If he can keep the walks down, he could be a key pitcher out of the pen for the Dodgers in October.