The Dodgers open their post-All-Star break schedule with three games in Phoenix against the Arizona Diamondbacks. On Thursday, they held a full team workout at Chase Field in Arizona, among other things welcoming their newest acquisition, Juan Rivera. The Dodgers also welcomed back catcher Rod Barajas, activating him from the disabled list on Thursday, and optioned A.J. Ellis back to Albuquerque.
Optioning Ellis certainly isn't surprising, as he still has options remaining. But while Ellis doesn't have any power -- no home runs in the majors or minors since 2008 -- he does get on base every so often, something Barajas and Dioner Navarro haven't done. Ellis has a .364 OBP this season and a .344 OBP in his career.
It looked as though Ellis might stay once Barajas was activated, as he started eight of 11 games during one stretch, but Navarro had a pair of big hits last weekend, including a game-winning single on Saturday against the Padres. I don't know if that was the reason Navarro was kept, but he is just hitting .183/.234/.287 on the season so there's not much reason to keep him around. The Dodgers could likely go with Ellis next season as their backup catcher, as he will be out of options, so might as well give him some time this season.
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