Dodgers still hopeful Rich Hill, Brandon McCarthy start this weekend

The Dodgers hoped to emerge from a series of bullpen sessions on Tuesday afternoon with some clarity about their rotation this weekend against the Pirates. Instead, the team will return to a familiar position of building contingency plans.

Rich Hill decided against throwing off a mound as a precaution for the blister on his left hand. He limited himself to a game of catch. Acquired last week from Oakland, Hill has not pitched since an injury-shortened, five-pitch outing on July 17. He expressed his hope that he could start Friday.

Brandon McCarthy, the proposed starter for Saturday, did complete a session in the bullpen. He indicated he felt better about his fastball command, which deserted him in his last two outings, leading to 10 walks in 6 2/3 innings. McCarthy may throw another bullpen on Thursday for maintenance with pitching coach Rick Honeycutt.

“I think it was a positive today to work through some things with Honey and command that fastball,” Manager Dave Roberts said before his team’s game against the Phillies. “Today was a good day for Mac.”

Holstered as an option is Ross Stripling, who also threw a bullpen on Tuesday. Pitching in Hill’s place last Sunday, Stripling threw five scoreless innings against Boston.

The Dodgers could also bring back Brett Anderson into the rotation. Anderson completed a five-inning outing with triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday. Or the team could insert Julio Urias, who started on Monday, to throw on either Saturday or Sunday.

As always, the plans are written in pencil.

Van Slyke back on disabled list

The Dodgers placed outfielder Scott Van Slyke on the disabled list for the second time this season, this time because of right wrist irritation. The team recalled utility infielder Chris Taylor from triple-A Oklahoma City.

Van Slyke missed most of April and all of May due to a back injury. He has hit .225 this season with only one home run, leaving a void on a roster searching for outfielders capable of hitting left-handed pitching. Roberts framed Van Slyke’s injury as a long-standing condition that resurfaced.

“It’s been something that Scott’s dealt with for a calendar year,” Roberts said. “He just can’t get that flexion in his wrist. It’s impeding his swing. So right now, bringing Chris Taylor back, it’s an easy move for us. Chris gives us that versatility. And obviously, where Slyke’s at now, we’re not doing him any good keeping him out there.”

andy.mccullough@latimes.com