The Los Angeles Dodgers returned from a seven-game homestand to begin a series with the Miami Marlins, which meant a return to Dodger Stadium for several familiar faces. For A.J. Ellis, it was his first time back at Chavez Ravine since being traded.
Manager Don Mattingly, bench coach Tim Wallach and outfield/baserunning coach Lorenzo Bundy, all of whom were once with the Dodgers, already comprised the Marlins coaching staff during the team’s series at Dodger Stadium last season.
That came prior to the club trading Ellis to the Philadelphia Phillies last August, which sent shockwaves through the clubhouse. Ellis to that point had been the longest-tenured Dodgers player.
The organization showed their appreciation by greeting Ellis with a tribute video that was played moments before first pitch:
Welcome back to Dodger Stadium, @AJEllis17! pic.twitter.com/xGcfIA7W7Y
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 19, 2017
Ellis, who was not in the lineup and did not appear in the Marlins’ loss, tipped his cap to the Dodger Stadium crowd. The backup catcher spent time pregame speaking with Clayton Kershaw and other former teammates.
Entering play Friday, Ellis has appeared in 10 games for the Marlins, and is just 4-for-33 with three walks and 10 strikeouts.
