TOKYO (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Matt Sauer and optioned left-hander Justin Wrobleski to the minors Wednesday.

To make room on the 40-man roster, pitcher Clayton Kershaw went on the 60-day injured list as expected.

The 26-year-old Sauer, a non-roster invite to spring training, had eight strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings over four appearances this spring. He made his major league debut last year with Kansas City and was 0-0 with a 7.71 ERA in 14 games.

Wrobleski made four appearances for the Dodgers this spring, going 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA.

As expected, Kershaw is starting the season on the IL. The 36-year-old left-hander is beginning his 18th season with the Dodgers. He is 36 strikeouts from reaching 3,000.

Dodgers acquire Sauer and option Wrobleski as Kershaw goes on 60-day IL | iNFOnews.ca — Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Matt Sauer works against the Hanshin Tigers during the fifth inning in an MLB Japan Series exhibition baseball game, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Last year, the three-time Cy Young Award winner was 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA in seven games before missing the rest of the season with a left big toe injury. He’s rehabbing after offseason surgeries.