Dodgers activate former All-Star pitcher who could be playoff X-factor

CINCINNATI –– A new face showed up in the Dodgers’ clubhouse this week.The team is hoping he can be an X-factor in its postseason push.Six weeks ago, the Dodgers swung a surprise trade deadline day deal to acquire former All-Star left-hander Kris Bubic from the Kansas City Royals.But not until Wednesday was he finally ready to join the active roster, getting activated off the injured list ahead of a game in which the Dodgers could clinch a National League West division title with a win.In a corresponding roster shuffle, the club optioned reliever Paul Gervase to triple-A and designated for assignment outfielder Ryan Ward to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.“Kind of wild,” Bubic said, glancing at the sheets of plastic rolled up above his locker at Great American Ball Park in anticipation of a postgame clubhouse celebration.

“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.”Bubic, 29, went somewhat overlooked during the Dodgers’ flurry of trade deadline moves.

He arrived in an unexpected move from Kansas City at the cost of only minor-league reliever Carlos Duran.He hadn’t pitched in a game since mid-May because of elbow and shoulder injuries.

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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story “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.”Nonetheless, the Dodgers were drawn to his track record, which included an All-Star selection as a starter last year but also extensive experience pitching out of the bullpen.“I’ve pretty ...