By Jon Weisman

As was suspected, Carlos Frias has been placed on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to July 1) with lower back tightness, and Daniel Coulombe has been recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City for the fifth time since May 4.

From May 30 to June 9, Frias averaged nearly seven innings over his three starts, with a 1.77 ERA, though he allowed 29 baserunners against nine strikeouts. In four starts since, he has barely averaged five innings, with a 5.66 ERA (36 baserunners/12 strikeouts).

Juan Nicasio, who made one spot start this year for the Dodgers, last pitched June 30, throwing 29 pitches that night. The Dodgers haven’t announced whether they will call up a pitcher to take Frias’ start Monday, but that seems to be likely rather than going with a bullpen game.

With the Dodgers this year, Coulombe has appeared in four games and allowed runs all four times. He has pitched shutout ball in his last three outings at Oklahoma City, with four strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings.

Coulombe’s 2015 itinerary:

  • March 24: Optioned to Oklahoma City
  • May 4: Recalled from Oklahoma City
  • May 6: Optioned to Oklahoma City
  • May 14: Recalled from Oklahoma City
  • May 15: Optioned to Oklahoma City
  • June 2: Recalled from Oklahoma City
  • June 5: Optioned to Oklahoma City
  • June 18: Recalled from Oklahoma City
  • June 22: Optioned to Oklahoma City
  • July 5: Recalled from Oklahoma City