The Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday designated catcher Dioner Navarro for assignment and recalled A.J. Ellis from Triple A Albuqerque to take his place. The timing of the move was odd, as rosters expand in nine days anyway, and Ellis was going to join the Dodgers at that time or soon after.
Navarro was hitting just .193/.276/.324 in 64 games this season, but since the All-Star break had improved to .213/.347/.393 in 22 games, including three home runs. Navarro signed a one-year, $1 million contract last winter to backup Rod Barajas. The Dodgers have 10 days to trade or release Navarro, who is now off the 40-man roster.
Ellis has been with the Dodgers in two previous stints this season, hitting .222/.364/.222 in 16 games. Ellis hit .304/.467/.418 in 59 games with Triple A Albuquerque this season.
The Dodgers now just have two catchers on the 40-man roster, making it nearly a given that Triple A catcher Tim Federowicz will be added once rosters expand in September. Federowicz was acquired with two relief pitchers from the Red Sox on July 31 for outfielder Trayvon Robinson.
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