Kris Bubic to Join Dodgers For Reds Series Following Deadline Deal, IL Stint

Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic will join the Dodgers at some point during their series against the Cincinnati Reds , per Maddie Lee of The LA Times.

The southpaw likely won't immediately rejoin the team, having made a rehab appearance in Triple-A on Sunday, but will be back before the end of the four-game set.

Bubic arrived from the Kansas City Royals at the trade deadline in exchange for right-hander Carlos Duran , who had spent the entire season in Triple-A despite holding a 40-man roster spot. Bubic had been on the injured list for the majority of the season, having gone down with an elbow injury in May.

He made nine starts prior to his injury, posting a 4.11 ERA through 50.1 innings with 51 strikeouts. That isn't entirely indicative of his ability, though, as he had a career year just last season. He earned his first All-Star selection in 2025 with a 2.55 ERA through 20 starts.

Duran has two appearances under his belt for the Royals so far, and has allowed two earned runs through 1.1 innings pitched.

What Role Will Kris Bubic Have Upon His Return?

Bubic, despite being a starter for the majority of his MLB career, will likely take on a bullpen role whenever it is he comes off of the injured list.

He came out and expressed his willingness to take on any role after being traded, especially since he played a full season in the bullpen just two years ago.

"I've had experience in pretty much any role possible in the big leagues, a little more recently in a more high-leverage role back in 2024 when we were in the postseason. So I'm open to doing that again," Bubic said.

His move to the bullpen couldn't come at a better time, as the Dodgers struggled through the final two games of their series against the Miami Marlins —though the bigger issue presented itself on Sunday.

The Dodgers held a 4-2 lead heading into the ninth inning, and allowed four runs without recording an out to gift the Marlins a series win. If Bubic takes on a high-leverage role for the team, he could help stabilize a bullpen which doesn't have a clear-cut pitcher for key situations.