Dodgers try to fix catching problem with Miguel Olivo

By Aaron GleemanApr 30, 2014, 4:16 PM EDT
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Los Angeles’ catching duo of Tim Federowicz and Drew Butera has been incredibly bad this season while subbing for the injured A.J. Ellis, hitting a combined .143 with a .393 OPS.

That’s some pitcher-caliber hitting, so the Dodgers have decided to demote Federowicz back to the minors and call up veteran Miguel Olivo from Triple-A.

The good news is that Olivo was hitting .390 with four homers and a 1.099 OPS in 15 games at Triple-A.

The bad news is that Olivo is 35 years old and has hit a combined .222 with a .633 OPS during the past three seasons. And even while lighting up Triple-A recently he posted a ghastly 19/3 K/BB ratio. He can’t help but be an improvement over Federowicz and Butera, but Olivo is a pretty awful hitter himself.

They need Ellis to get healthy.

White Sox shut down Lucas Giolito for remainder of season

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By Bill BaerSep 16, 2019, 10:51 PM EDT
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The Athletic’s James Fegan reports that the White Sox are shutting down starter Lucas Giolito for the remainder of a season. An MRI revealed a mild lat strain, which typically comes with a three- to four-week recovery timetable. The third-place, 65-84 White Sox have nothing left to play for, so it makes sense to play it safe with their prized young hurler.

Giolito, 25, had a breakout season. He went 14-9 with a 3.41 ERA and a 228/57 K/BB ratio in 176 2/3 innings. He made his first All-Star team and will likely earn a few downballot votes for the AL Cy Young Award.

Giolito was scheduled to start Tuesday’s series opener against the Twins. Ross Detwiler will start in his place opposite Martín Pérez.