Dodgers activate Phil Bickford (back) from injured list

The Los Angeles Dodgers adjusted their bullpen Friday, activating right-hander Phil Bickford off the injured list, while left-hander Alex Vesia was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Bickford, 27, missed 14 games with lower back tightness after he was 1-2 with a 7.33 ERA in 23 relief outings this season. In four seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers and Dodgers, he is 7-5 with a 4.75 ERA and one save in 141 relief appearances.

Bickford and Vesia were key contributors for the Dodgers' playoff teams in each of the previous two seasons, but both have struggled in 2023. Vesia has gone 0-4 with a 7.58 ERA in 23 relief appearances this season and is being sent down for a second time since the year began.

In 132 relief outings over four seasons for the Miami Marlins and Dodgers, Vesia is 8-6 with a 3.67 ERA and has two saves.