Dodgers Activate Former All-Star Kris Bubic Ahead of Potential Division Clincher

The Los Angeles Dodgers have activated left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic from the injured list, adding the former All-Star to their active roster Wednesday.

Bubic, acquired in a trade with the Kansas City Royals six weeks prior, had been sidelined with elbow and shoulder injuries since mid-May. His activation comes just ahead of a game where the Dodgers could clinch the National League West division title with a victory.

"Kind of wild," Bubic said of joining the team. "I haven’t technically contributed anything to this team so far. But it’s obviously a cool environment to walk into… So excited to contribute down the stretch."

In a corresponding roster move, the Dodgers optioned reliever Paul Gervase to triple-A Oklahoma City and designated outfielder Ryan Ward for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.

Bubic, 29, was a somewhat overlooked acquisition during the Dodgers' trade deadline activity. He arrived in exchange for minor-league reliever Carlos Duran. He had not pitched in a game since mid-May prior to his injury.

"Given the timing of when the deadline was, and that I had just [started throwing] back off the mound the day before deadline day, to be honest I wasn’t completely expecting [getting traded]," Bubic told the California Post. "Especially to a place like this."

The Dodgers pursued Bubic based on his past performance, which includes an All-Star selection as a starter, as well as his experience pitching in relief.

"I’ve pretty much pitched in every role in my career so far," Bubic remarked.

In recent weeks, Bubic has impressed during a minor-league rehab assignment with Oklahoma City. He recorded six scoreless appearances, striking out nine batters while allowing only two hits and two walks.

"[The most important thing was] the strike-throwing, getting back to that," Bubic said, reflecting on his earlier struggles with walks. "Maybe just being in a one-inning, or a one-plus-inning stint, added a little bit more sense of urgency for me. It was a good reset for me."

The pending free agent is expected to fill a swingman role for the Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts previously described Bubic as a "sleeper play" who possesses "good stuff" and has "cleaned some things up with his throw."

If Bubic makes the Dodgers' postseason roster, it will be his second playoff appearance. He was part of the Kansas City Royals team that was eliminated in the American League Division Series in 2024. This year, he hopes to contribute to a deeper postseason run.