Transactions – Page 16 – Dodger Thoughts

On May 31, 2015

Dodgers at Cardinals, 11:15 a.m.
Joc Pederson, CF
Alberto Callaspo, 3B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Andre Ethier, RF
Yasmani Grandal, C
Alex Guerrero, LF
Jimmy Rollins, SS
Brett Anderson, P

By Jon Weisman

Paco Rodriguez has had trouble finishing pitches, manager Don Mattingly told reporters this morning, so he has been placed on the disabled list and is heading to Los Angeles for examination on his left elbow.

Rodriguez’s velocity has been on the decline, as noted in the Daily News by J.P. Hoornstra, despite not having been used frequently. Friday’s 18-pitch outing was his first in five days, and he has pitched on consecutive days only once in the past six weeks.

Here’s a small excerpt from Hoornstra’s piece:

… What’s interesting is that Rodriguez said he had no idea his velocity has been steadily dropping. He’s never relied primarily on speed to be effective, rather deception and location. Because of that, he said, he’s never paid close attention to radar-gun readings.

The decrease in speed is partially by design. Rodriguez said he was hoping to slow down his curveball this year by tightening his grip on the ball, “just so the fastball looks that much harder.” Rodriguez allowed for the possibility that he’s tightened the grip on all his pitches inadvertently. …

So far in 2015, Rodriguez has a 2.61 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 10 1/3 innings with eight strikeouts, stranding 17 of 22 inherited runners.

To take Rodriguez’s place on the active roster, the Dodgers have called up Matt West, the righty they cashed out of Toronto on May 4, from Triple-A Oklahoma City. In the organization this year, West has had 10 strikeouts and a 0.68 WHIP in 10 1/3 innings for Double-A Tulsa, along with four baserunners in two innings with one strikeout for Oklahoma City.

West’s MLB career consists of four innings with the Rangers last season, in which he allowed three runs on seven baserunners while striking out three.

If and when he appears in a game, West will be the first in Dodger history to wear No. 76. However, he will only be the second Dodger ever from Houston’s Bellaire High, after the inimitable Kelly Wunsch.

Yasmani Grandal activated to start tonight

On May 30, 2015

In Pregame, Transactions

Dodgers at Cardinals, 4:15 p.m.
Joc Pederson, CF
Justin Turner, 3B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Andre Ethier, RF
Yasmani Grandal, C
Scott Van Slyke, LF
Jimmy Rollins, SS
Carlos Frias, P

By Jon Weisman

Yasmani Grandal returns to active duty today after spending seven days on the concussion-themed disabled list.

Grandal will start tonight and bat sixth (where he has hit in his past eight starts), but Jimmy Rollins has been dropped from second to eighth. Scott Van Slyke is also back on starting duty.

Austin Barnes, who started Sunday and played in two other games — including Friday, after A.J. Ellis was ejected in a balls-and-strikes/pitch-framing controversy — is remaining with the team. Outfielder Chris Heisey, who started on Thursday, has been optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Grandal, who brings a .403 on-base percentage and .466 slugging percentage back to the Dodger lineup tonight, went 3 for 10 with five walks and three strikeouts in three games designated hitting for Oklahoma City. That includes his own ejection in the second of those games.

Neither Ellis nor Grandal had ever been ejected from a professional game before, according to the two catchers. Ellis discussed his ejection after Friday’s game with reporters, as chronicled by Bill Plunkett of the Register.

… “Their job is to call balls and strikes,” Ellis said. “It’s not their job to be a catching coach behind the plate. It’s not their job to be critical of what I’m doing. It shouldn’t even matter if there’s a catcher there or not. The ball comes through a zone and they need to take a look at that.

“People on blogs and websites can critique my framing but I’m not going to take it from an umpire because it’s not their job to do that. It’s their job to call balls and strikes based on what comes through a strike zone.”

Winters was asked to respond but declined to speak to a pool reporter. He said only through a Cardinals official that the issue was balls and strikes and “the rest of it stays private.”

Not entirely. Winters was apparently wearing a microphone for MLB Network during the game. …

Unpacking the Uribe-Withrow-Callaspo-Thomas-Jaime-Stults trade (see, that’s a lot to unpack right there)

Juan Uribe has a message for you, Dodger fans. pic.twitter.com/a7xuNPX2BM

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 27, 2015

For photos from Tuesday, visit LA Photog Blog.

Braves at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Joc Pederson, CF
Jimmy Rollins, SS
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Justin Turner, 3B
Alex Guerrero, LF
Chris Heisey, RF
A.J. Ellis, C
Zack Greinke, P

By Jon Weisman

As unusual as the past 36 hours have been, nothing quite brought it home more sharply than seeing Juan Uribe in Atlanta Braves gear at Dodger Stadium, so soon after he had worn Dodger whites for the final time.

Gazing upon Matt Kemp as a Padre on Opening Day took an adjustment and a half, but at least we had most of an offseason to prepare.

But baseball, the game without a clock, ticks on — and everyone moves forward, ready or not. Here is a bullet-point summary of this late afternoon’s news.

Uribe says he would have felt bad if he had been traded to a soccer team or basketball team. But a baseball team is OK.

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) May 27, 2015

According to Don Mattingly, Uribe had initiated discussions about his decreased playing time, and Andrew Friedman said that Uribe’s agent told him that Uribe would welcome a trade to a team that would offer more playing time. It wasn’t a literal trade demand, but more an indication of where Uribe’s mind was at.
Similarly, Alberto Callaspo balked at the trade at first because he was concerned that his at-bats would go down, according to Friedman, but his concerns were assuaged. It has been reported elsewhere that the Braves paid Callaspo an additional sum to agree to the trade.
Friedman thinks the switch-hitting Callaspo can help the Dodgers as a left-handed bat off the bench (with Andre Ethier starting, the Dodgers often don’t have a lefty position player in reserve at all). Callaspo’s positional versatility is also a better fit for the Dodger bench than Uribe would offer, according to Friedman.
Chris Withrow was admired enough by Friedman to be a trade target while Friedman was with the Rays, but hopes of what Withrow might provide in 2016 were sacrificed in order to add pitching depth for this year.
Left-handed Ian Thomas will be stretched out at Oklahoma City to see if he might become a starter (not coincidentally, a recent Dodger acquisition, Eric Surkamp, is getting the same treatment as a starter for Oklahoma City tonight.) Relief pitching is a fallback for Thomas.
Righty reliever Juan Jaime “misses bats,” Friedman said, and so the Dodgers will attack his control problems at in extended Spring Training at Camelback Ranch to see what develops.
Chris Heisey was called up in no small part because two Dodger outfielders, Scott Van Slyke and Kiké Hernandez, are not 100 percent healthy.
The Dodgers hope that the two pitchers designated for assignment today, Sergio Santos and Eric Stults, will clear waivers and remain in the organization, but whether they clear remains to be seen.
Brandon Beachy threw three simulated innings today, ahead of his next steps — first games at Camelback, and hopefully the start of a minor-league rehab assignment in June.
For their doubleheader Tuesday at Colorado, the Dodgers get a 26th-man roster exemption. Joe Wieland is lined up in the Triple-A rotation if the Dodgers want him, but they have not announced how they will use the extra spot.

Amid farewell to Chris Withrow, here’s who’s coming from Atlanta

An injured Chris Withrow joined in the celebration of the Dodgers’ NL West clincher in September. (Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

By Jon Weisman

Chris Withrow, who is still on the rehab track from surgery, joins Juan Uribe in the trade to Atlanta for infielder Alberto Callaspo and pitchers Juan Jaime, Ian Thomas and Eric Stults.

A first-round draft pick in 2007, Withrow pitched 56 innings for the Dodgers with a 2.73 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 71 strikeouts. An easy guy to talk to in the clubhouse, Withrow leaves with the fourth-highest K/9 in Dodger history for those who pitched at least 50 innings, and while sentiment has been pouring out about Uribe, best wishes for the future certainly go to Withrow as well.

As for the return in the trade: While Callaspo will be on the active roster tonight, Thomas has been optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City and Jaime has been assigned to extended Spring Training at Camelback Ranch. Stults, who pitched for the Dodgers from 2006-09, has been designated for assignment.

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Callaspo, who turned 32 last month, has mostly struggled (.545 OPS) since signing an offseason free-agent deal with Atlanta. However, his batting average on balls in play is at a career-low .214, and as the Dodgers’ public relations department noted in its official announcement, Callaspo “the switch-hitter has been the hardest active player to strike out in his career, averaging 11.20 plate appearances per strikeout.”

He has played all four infield positions plus left and right field in his career, though he hasn’t played outfield since 2010 or shortstop since 2009.

In addition to his 15 2/3 shutout minor-league innings this season, the 28-year-old Thomas had a 3.38 ERA in 5 1/3 innings with Atlanta, allowing nine baserunners while striking out five.

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“The lefty doesn’t throw all that many pitches north of 90 miles per hour,” Jeff Sullivan wrote of Thomas at Fangraphs today, “but he has a decently full repertoire, and in the majors he’s struck out more than a batter an inning. This year in the high minors, he has a walk and 20 strikeouts. His peripherals are strong enough, and he just hasn’t had much of a big-league opportunity. You can see why a team would want to stash him away.

Jaime, who is remarkable if only because he is a 27-year-old who was originally signed by the Montreal Expos, has walked 13 in 13 2/3 career big-league innings, but he has also struck out 19, so the Dodgers will see where that goes.

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Thanks for the memories, Uribear

Juan Uribe, April 26, 2011 (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

By Jon Weisman

What an unreal journey this was, and I honestly feel I’m the better for having witnessed it.

* * *

Since a second-inning double June 20 at Oakland, Uribe is in the midst of an 0-for-27 slump, with three walks and nine strikeouts. That happens. The problem is that when he hasn’t been slumping … well, Uribe can hardly say he’s ever not been slumping as a Dodger.

— “The end of the line for Juan Uribe … or not?” July 8, 2012

* * *

“Be grateful for luck. Pay the thunder no mind – listen to the birds. And don’t hate nobody.”

— Eubie Blake

“Walk, two-run double, walk, groundout, two-run home run.”

— Juan Uribe

— “Uribe makes sweet music in Dodgers’ 8-5 victory,” July 21, 2012

* * *

If they sold Teddy Uribears at Dodger Stadium next week I'd buy one. He's so cuddly with his belly and that .408 OBP.

— Jon Weisman (@jonweisman) May 5, 2013

Someone expert in photoshop needs to make Uribear ™ a reality. RT @SpaceDodgers: @jonweisman he has a nickname now?! A CUTE ONE?!

— Jon Weisman (@jonweisman) May 5, 2013

— “Uribear!,” May 5, 2013

* * *

There have been Dodgers who have had their downs and ups, but I can’t remember such a purely bottom-to-top tale of redemption as the one of Juan Uribe. …

… What Dodger endured two miserable years, while collecting a big paycheck, before putting it together in his third season? Looking at this list of Dodgers in the post-1975 free-agent era, no one with the profile of Uribe leaps to mind. It’s not like Dave Goltz, Don Stanhouse, Mike Davis or Eric Davis turned it on in Los Angeles after stinking for two years. But Uribe has.

It’s remarkable.

— “The redemption of Juan Uribe reaches new levels,” July 5, 2013

* * *

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For those of us who come to baseball for an escape, for answers or even suggestions, to feel something that we can’t often or otherwise find in everyday life, consciously or unconsciously, and see such a tale of redemption played out right at center stage, see one who was so mercilessly derided become the hero, and to know it’s real, brings an emotion to cherish above and beyond the revelry of victory.

Yes, I know Juan Uribe was well compensated as he stunk up the joint in 2011 and 2012 and he didn’t need my sympathy. And I never offered it. But strip everything else away, and you have the story of someone who found his way back from tar and feathering into sweet serenity. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve been failing, it is an inspiration. I’ll never be Clayton Kershaw, the best in the world. But I might be Juan Uribe. I might have my moment.

— “U-RI-BEAR! Dodgers swing into NLCS on redemption song,” October 8, 2013

* * *

Uribe choked up when asked what he would miss about the Dodgers and walked away.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) May 27, 2015

No one could bring a clubhouse together with only a laugh or smile like Juan. It was a joy to be his teammate. pic.twitter.com/QH4UriQgrj

— AJ Ellis (@AJEllis17) May 27, 2015

Dodgers recall Chris Heisey, designate Sergio Santos for assignment

Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers

By Jon Weisman

The Dodgers have exchanged a relief pitcher on their roster for a position player, recalling outfielder Chris Heisey from Triple-A Oklahoma City and designating reliever Sergio Santos for assignment.

Heisey, who has 10 homers in only 94 at-bats for Oklahoma City, has reached base in six of his 10 plate appearances in two previous callups with the Dodgers.

Santos has allowed 20 baserunners in 13 1/3 innings with 15 strikeouts for Los Angeles.

With Grandal sidelined, Dodgers call up Austin Barnes

On May 23, 2015

Austin Barnes in action during Spring Training (Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

Padres at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Joc Pederson, CF
Jimmy Rollins, SS
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Justin Turner, 3B
Andre Ethier, RF
Scott Van Slyke, LF
A.J. Ellis, C
Mike Bolsinger, P

By Jon Weisman

Yasmani Grandal has become the first Dodger to be placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list since Major League Baseball created the option in 2011.

In another first, 25-year-old Austin Barnes has been called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City and will be making his Major League debut as soon as he enters a game. For starters, however, A.J. Ellis is behind the plate in tonight’s lineup.

Barnes has pro experience at second and third base, as we discussed in February, but the Dodgers have used him exclusively at catcher in 2015. The 5-foot-10, 185-pounder has three passed balls in 248 innings while throwing out nine of 23 attempting to steal.

At the plate for Oklahoma City, Barnes has a .390 on-base percentage and .430 slugging percentage, continuing a career long trend of walking more than striking out. In a current eight-game hitting streak, he is 11-for-30 (.367) and has struck out one time in his past 50 plate appearances.

Live-blog: Hector Olivera talks about becoming a Dodger

On May 19, 2015

By Jon Weisman

New Dodger infielder Hector Olivera is speaking through a translator with reporters about the process of becoming a Dodger tonight. Here is a live-blog of some of his remarks:

There were five teams that were interested in me … in the end, I decided to sign with the Dodgers. I knew it was a great organization.
There are Cubans that play on this team, and I know I can do a great job for this organization.
Most of my career I have played second base, but I can also play first and third.
I talked to (Cubans on Dodgers) and they informed me of a lot of things. I know it’s difficult to make that transition. The Major Leagues is the best level of baseball in the world, and there has to be good preparation to play well on the big-league level.
Three or four weeks to prepare myself, and I should be ready by then to play at the big-league level. I know that the Dodgers have a great chance of winning.
Mentally, I’m very prepared. I know what it takes to be a Major Leaguer, and I also know the conditions. Physically, I prepare myself very well in the Dominican Republic at the Academy. I just have to do some refining at the complex and also in minor-league games.
My style of play is to play hard but relaxed.
When I agreed with the Dodgers, I immediately went to the Academy in the Dominican Republic, and I did basic preparation there. I just need the final touch, and that is what I’m going to do here in Arizona.
I’m just prepared to play, period. That’s what I want to do. I’m here to play, wherever they put me.
I don’t know where that rumor (about UCL in elbow) came from. I know there was a little inflammation in my arm. I did a lot at tryouts, and people know I played well. It was just fatigue.
I’m going to be the new kid on the block, and I just want to have a lot of support from the people, especially from my teammates. I’m going to work hard, I’m going to play every day — that’s what I’m hope – and I just hope to get a lot of support from the people of Los Angeles, because Los Angeles is going to be my team.
My whole career I played second base, but I don’t think I’m in the position to decide. … Wherever they put me, they’re going to see the results, because I’ve prepared myself and I will work hard.
Thank you very much, and hope to see you guys soon, and hopefully we can get the ring this year.

Live-blog: Andrew Friedman on Hector Olivera acquisition, Dodger health concerns

On May 19, 2015

In Front office, Transactions

Andrew Friedman with Dodger clubhouse manager Mitch Poole in April (Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

By Jon Weisman

Dodger president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman chatted with reporters beginning at 5 p.m. about the Hector Olivera and Pablo Fernandez signings (and presumably other Dodger-related matters). What follows is a live-blog of some of his remarks.

In the near term, we’re going to send (Olivera) to Arizona, get in game shape, work out for a few days and reassess from there. He’ll be there for a week or so, then head to Rancho for a few games … then get him to Oklahoma City and play there for a little while and reassess.
Having as many as good players as possible not only helps you in constructing your own roster but also allows you the opportunity to have more good players to talk about with other teams. If we’re ever complaining about having too much depth, that’s certainly a good problem to have. … Having a player who can impact the game offensively like Hector can is obviously a good thing.
We did a thorough medical review and feel good about where he is … he takes care of himself really well. We’ve had him at our academy in the Dominican for a month … seen how he bounces back day after day.
Versatility on the defensive side – he’ll tell you he’s most comfortable at second, but he’s had no problems moving around the infield. The reports (at second and third) are both good.
At this point it’s premature to speculate (how fast he’ll impact at the Major Leagues). We’ve seen with guys in the past that it’s hard to miss Spring Training and hit the ground running, but everybody’s different.
We feel at this point and time offense is at a premium in the game … his bat can have an impact.
We feel very confident he’s going to come up at some point this year and help us win games.
His hands play (defensively). … He’s a big physical guy and probably bigger than most people think of when they think of a Major League second baseman, but his hands work really well and his footwork is very good.
We’re going to stretch (Fernandez) out as a starter. We’ve talked to him about it and he’s excited about it. He’s got a five-pitch mix … and has had really good command throughout his career. (Friedman compared him to Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez.)
We’re very mindful of how difficult it is (to transition). … We’re going to do everything we can to help both guys navigate through.
(There might be new information on injured Dodger pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu on Wednesday.)
(Surgery discussion for Julio Urias) came up at the end of spring. … (goal for us) is doing what’s right by Julio.
(Concern over Ryu) is similar to what it’s been for a few weeks, that it hasn’t progressed as we hoped. … It’s not a black-and-white issue, but fortunately we have a tremendous doctor in (Neal) ElAttrache, and we’re putting our heads together to determine what makes sense.
Mentally, I’ve been thinking (Ryu might be lost for season) for a little while, because it’s better to err on that side. … Our mindset has been to treat it as if he’s not (coming back this year), because it’s easier to react the other way.
Both (Carlos Frias and Mike Bolsinger) have pitched really well. Any time you lose two starters, you’re always mindful of your depth. … We’re never going to be comfortable with our starting pitching depth. From where we’re sitting right now, if we can add an arm, it would certainly be helpful.

That’s the summary of the Friedman interview. Hector Olivera is scheduled to speak to beat writers (through a translator) later this evening.

What to expect from Kenley Jansen

On May 15, 2015

In Bullpen, Pregame, Transactions

Juan Ocampo/Los Angeles Dodgers

For images from Thursday, visit LA Photog Blog.

Rockies at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Kershaw CCXVII: The Kershawx-Bow Incident
Joc Pederson, CF
Jimmy Rollins, SS
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Justin Turner, 3B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Andre Ethier, RF
Scott Van Slyke, LF
Clayton Kershaw, P

By Jon Weisman

Activated from the disabled list today, Kenley Jansen doesn’t come back as a savior.

For one thing, even with this week’s bullpen struggles, I’m not sure the Dodger bullpen needs saving. For another, Jansen couldn’t do it by himself anyway.

And something else to keep in mind about Jansen, who takes the roster spot of the re-optioned Daniel Coulombe, is that he has historically been a second-half pitcher. Whether that’s a statistical anomaly or not, I can’t say, but at least in the past, he has taken time to reach his toppiest of top form:

Career

2.96 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 13.8 K/9 before All-Star Game
1.42 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 14.2 K/9 after All-Star Game

2014

3.49 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 14.4 K/9 before All-Star Game
1.69 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 13.2 K/9 after All-Star Game

Honestly, BABIP could be the reason as much as anything — opponents hit .395 on balls in play before the 2014 All-Star Game, according to Baseball-Reference.com, .286 after. And he’s been no slouch at any point, first half or second.

In any case, expecting perfection from Jansen is as unreasonable as requiring perfection for him to be useful.

Baez goes to disabled list — Coulombe recalled with Jansen on tap

On May 14, 2015

In Health/injuries, Instant replay, Pregame, Transactions

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For images from Wednesday, visit LA Photog Blog.

Rockies at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Joc Pederson, CF
Jimmy Rollins, SS
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Scott Van Slyke, LF
Yasmani Grandal, C
Andre Ethier, RF
Juan Uribe, 3B
Brett Anderson, P

By Jon Weisman

Just as the Dodger bullpen is poised to welcome back Kenley Jansen, the team has had to place Pedro Baez on the disabled list with a right pectoral strain.

For now, Daniel Coulombe has come back to the Dodgers from Oklahoma City, while Jansen’s return, originally scheduled for Saturday, could be moved up to Friday as circumstances warrant. Jansen aced his final rehab assignment with two strikeouts in a perfect inning for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.

Don Mattingly, who had been ejected from the game earlier after a call against the Dodgers was not overturned by replay, was watching on television from his office, and said today he wondered if something was amiss with Baez when he saw him throw consecutive changeups to Dee Gordon. Baez had struck out his three previous batters.

On the next pitch, Baez threw his slowest fastball of the game (admittedly, still 94 mph, but down from 99 mph six pitches earlier), and Gordon smacked it for a double, and next thing you knew, Yasmani Grandal was calling for Stan Conte.

Mattingly wasn’t happy to lose Baez, even with Jansen serving as a de facto replacement, but he did acknowledge that the mid-May rest could be a silver lining over the long haul of the season.

“With so many guys throwing mid-to-high 90s, stuff happens,” Mattingly said.

As for the replay controversy, Mattingly said the team received a phone call from MLB admitting that Giancarlo Stanton’s catch of Howie Kendrick’s sinking liner in the bottom of the fourth should have been overturned, but the Dodger manager pledged he was moving on.

“I’m over replay,” he said, smiling. “I’m not gonna get upset about replay anymore. I’m done complaining.”

The 5.11 on the Dodgers

On May 12, 2015

In Offense, Pregame, Status report, Transactions

For more images from Monday, visit LA Photog Blog.

By Jon Weisman

Marlins at Dodgers, 7:10 p.m.
Joc Pederson, CF
Jimmy Rollins, SS
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Alex Guerrero, 3B
Yasmani Grandal, C
Andre Ethier, RF
Scott Van Slyke, LF
Mike Bolsinger, P
Note: Chris Heisey was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make room for Mike Bolsinger on the active roster.

So, how would you like to face the above pitcher on your average day?

We’ll award points for averaging 8 2/3 innings per game, but otherwise, this guy is really getting pounded.

Or perhaps you’ve already figured out this ruse — the above stats represent the cumulative performance this year of Dodger opposing pitchers, who have been getting pounded at a rate at which even Charlie Brown might cast a saucy eyebrow.

Through games of 5/11, a 5.11 ERA by opponents. Not to mention a home run every 5.5 innings. It’s pretty remarkable. With the season 20 percent complete, Dodger position players have a .364 on-base percentage and .504 slugging percentage.

The Dodgers’ overall .479 slugging percentage this season puts them on pace to top a 62-year-old franchise record of .474.

Dodgers continue to play total recall

On May 6, 2015

Joe Wieland has allowed 17 hits and walked only two in 20 innings — striking out 22 — with Triple-A Oklahoma City this season. (Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)

Dodgers at Brewers, 5:10 p.m.
Joc Pederson, CF
Jimmy Rollins, SS
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Justin Turner, 3B
Andre Ethier, RF
Scott Van Slyke, LF
A.J. Ellis, C
Joe Wieland, P

By Jon Weisman

With Joe Wieland coming up to start tonight’s game at Milwaukee to become the Dodgers’ ninth starting pitcher of the season — and Chris Heisey in the clubhouse, apparently waiting to be take the roster spot of a pitcher before Thursday’s game — these thoughts start to crystalize.

The Dodgers’ use of Scott Baker, Mike Bolsinger, Carlos Frias, David Huff and Wieland isn’t out of desperation, but almost a way of extending Spring Training evaluations, taking a look at a number of starting pitcher candidates before making a commitment.
As long as they’re willing to pay the travel and administrative costs, the Dodgers can continue to use player options to alternate at least Bolsinger, Frias and Wieland through the rotation, essentially enabling them to use their roster spot for an extra position player or reliever in between their starts.

Any time you send a player back to the minors, he has to remain there for at least 10 days unless he is coming back to replace a player going on the disabled list. But with multiple optionable players at your disposal, the 10-day requirement becomes a footnote rather than a barrier.

Hypothetically, Wieland could go back down to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, and Heisey could be activated. Then on May 12, Heisey could be sent down and Bolsinger recalled. Then the next day, Bolsinger could be sent down and replaced by another position player or reliever. Then as soon as May 17, Wieland could be back, and the cycle would renew.

I’m not saying the Dodgers will actually follow this plan, but it’s hard not to appreciate the way that the team’s depth enables it, or the front office’s willingness to exploit it.

Transaction fever might break by June, as the Dodgers firm up their evaluations, and also perhaps try to give some of the principals at Oklahoma City some stability. Wieland, for one, has been noticing, though he isn’t complaining.

“Down there, we honestly expect anything to happen – because just about everything has happened,” Wieland told Bill Plunkett of the Register on Tuesday. “We’ve seen guys go up (to the big leagues) for one day and then come right back. You’re here one day – then you’re outrighted. We’ve had three or four starters on hold, pushed back a day (from their scheduled day to pitch) and then nothing’s happened.

“We see it but we’ve kind of come to expect it. It’s not as big an issue as it was in the beginning.”

Health will play a big role in how much maneuvering the Dodgers continue to do. For example, Yasiel Puig will begin his rehab assignment as a designated hitter for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Thursday, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, and could be back in action as soon as next week. So could Kenley Jansen, who gave up three runs in his rehab outing today but told Ron Cervenka of Think Blue L.A. he would be “ready to come back next week.”

After throwing 25 pitches today, Kenley Jansen's back-to-back test is pushed back to Saturday and Sunday, Mattingly said.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) May 6, 2015

On the other hand, Hyun-Jin Ryu is still weeks away from a return after showing decreased velocity in his most recent bullpen session Friday, according to Plunkett, so the Dodgers could be rotating starting pitchers well into next month.

And as if that weren’t enough mystery, check out the weather report for the Dodgers’ upcoming Friday-Sunday series in Colorado:

Roster turnover is the new normal. Meet your new 2015 Dodgers, same as your old 2015 Dodgers.

Dodgers make deals, call up Coulombe