Before Sunday's series finale with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Dodgers have placed right-handed relief pitcher Blake Hawksworth on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right groin. Hawksworth becomes the 11th Dodger to be placed on the disabled list this season. To take Hawksworth's spot on the roster, the Dodgers have recalled pitcher Javy Guerra from Double A Chattanooga.
Hawksworth injured his groin Tuesday night in Pittsburgh as he attempted to cover first base on a ground ball. The Dodgers waited a few days to see if the injury was severe enough for a disabled list stint, and Hawksworth threw off flat ground on Friday. However, when throwing off a mound in a bullpen session on Saturday, Hawksworth felt more discomfort in his groin, and the bullpen session was cut short.
The DL move is retroactive to May 11, and the earliest Hawksworth can be activated is Friday, May 27, when the Dodgers host the Florida Marlins. Manager Don Mattingly said on Sunday he didn't expect Hawksworth to miss anything longer than that. The Dodgers currently have seven players on the disabled list.
Guerra was drafted in the fourth round in 2004 by the Dodgers, and was pitching in relief for the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Southern League. In 14 games with the Dodgers' Double A affliliate, Guerra had a 1.06 ERA with five walks and 15 strikeouts. This is the first trip to the majors for the 25-year old Guerra.
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