Stripling (0-1) allowed four runs on eight hits and a walk with two strikeouts over four innings to take the loss Monday against Arizona.
Stripling was forced to start in the wake of Rich Hill (finger) suffering a setback, as Hill was targeting Monday for his return start. Stripling hadn't pitched more than two innings all season before Monday's spot start, and things collapsed early. The Diamondbacks got to Stripling for three runs in the second, including a run that scored on a single by opposing starter Zack Greinke. Hill will need additional time to rehab his finger, and while Walker Buehler is slated to be called up to join the rotation before Hill's next turn, Clayton Kershaw won't pitch on normal rest against the Padres in Mexico on Sunday, so Stripling could get the ball again in that contest. Stripling had allowed just one run in 14.1 relief innings before Monday's spot start, and the Dodgers will happily slide Stripling back into that role once they no longer need him as a spot starter.