The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Luke Raley from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill the open roster spot that was created when Keibert Ruiz got optioned on Monday.
Raley had joined the Dodgers last week as the 27th player for the nightcap of a doubleheader with the Chicago Cubs but didn’t appear and was sent back to Oklahoma City. He then was in Anaheim over the weekend — though not active — as insurance if AJ Pollock needed to be placed on the 10-day injured list.
Pollock has continued to recover well since suffering a Grade 1 left hamstring strain on Friday night. He missed the final two games of the Freeway Series and was due to receive more treatment on the off day.
“Depending on how it feels, we’ll make a lineup decision then,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. The team still could make a roster move with pollock on Tuesday and maximize the ability to backdate it three days.
Even if Pollock is kept on the active roster, he may still be limited for another game or two, and Raley provides outfield depth. Raley made his MLB debut in the Dodgers’ home opener and has appeared in 14 games thus far.
During brief time with Oklahoma City this season, the 26-year-old started in each of their first two games and went a combined 3-for-8 with a home run.
Dodgers pump brakes on Ruiz
Ruiz hit a home run in his first plate appearance this season but continued to have limited opportunities. Given Will Smith and Austin Barnes are ahead of him on the depth chart, Ruiz expressed a willingness to play the outfield — which he last did at 14 years old — and learn first base.
“I think more short term, long term, keep him behind the plate,” Roberts said. “I’m not surprised he said he would play anywhere on the field. He’s a baseball player.
“But I think if anywhere else, I could see him potentially at first base. But we haven’t gotten to that point, and we have some other guys that can play first. It doesn’t surprise me with the openness.”
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