The Dodgers made a roster move before their series opener with the Giants on Monday, recalling outfielder Jamie Hoffmann from Triple A Albuquerque, optioning pitcher John Ely back to the minors. Ely started in place of Jon Garland on Sunday in San Diego, taking the loss by giving up four runs in 5 2/3 innings. Garland threw 81 pitches for Class A Rancho Cucamonga in a rehab start on Sunday.
Optioning Ely is a clear indication that the Dodgers feel Garland is ready to pitch for them on Friday, when the Dodgers host the St. Louis Carindals in the second game of a four-game series at Dodger Stadium. Optioning Ely now gives the Dodgers an extra bench player in Hoffmann for four games. Hoffmann's right-handed bat could prove useful, as they are facing three left-handed starting pitchers in their next four games.
One of those southpaws to face the Dodgers is Madison Bumgarner, who stats tonight for the Giants. Clayton Kershaw makes his third start of the year for the Dodgers.
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