Dodgers activate RHP Kris Bubic in hopes of bolstering bullpen

The Los Angeles Dodgers will see if their trade-deadline gamble can pay off by activating right-hander Kris Bubic from the injured list to make his club debut.

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In a pair of corresponding moves, the Dodgers optioned right-hander Paul Gervase to Triple-A Oklahoma City, while outfielder Ryan Ward was designated for assignment.

Bubic, 29, is expected to be used out of the Los Angeles bullpen over the last week and a half of the regular season. He has not pitched since May 14 as a member of the Kansas City Royals because of left shoulder and elbow discomfort. He was 3-2 with a 4.11 ERA in nine starts.

In seven major league seasons, all with the Royals, the 2025 American League All-Star has gone 22-38 with a 4.14 ERA in 126 appearances (89 starts). He made all 27 of his appearances in 2024 out of the bullpen and had a 2.67 ERA after returning from Tommy John surgery in 2023.

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Los Angeles traded for the injured Bubic on Aug. 3, while sending minor league right-hander Carlos Duran to the Royals. In six rehab appearances (5 2/3 innings) at Triple-A Oklahoma City, Bubic gave up two hits and did not allow a run with nine strikeouts.

The Dodgers placed hard-throwing right-hander Edgardo Henriquez on the injured list Monday, while right-handed closer Edwin Diaz continues to deal with neck inflammation and has made just 16 appearances because of multiple injuries in his first season in Los Angeles.

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Gervase, 26, has a 2.35 ERA in just four outings with the Dodgers this season.

–Field Level Media

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This story was originally published September 16, 2026 at 4:45 PM.