Pollock on IL, undergoing exploratory procedure

SAN FRANCISCO -- Doctors Tuesday night were performing an exploratory procedure to determine the cause and severity of AJ Pollock’s right elbow infection, said manager Dave Roberts, who earlier talked about options for replacing Pollock in the lineup.

After Tuesday night's 10-3 win over the Giants, Roberts said he did not have results of the procedure or whether a more extensive surgery was necessary. There is no timetable for the return of Pollock, who broke the elbow in 2010 and had a plate inserted, then rebroke it in 2016 when the hardware was compromised.

“We’re just hoping things go well,” said Roberts. “It’s concerning any time you’re talking about an infection and past surgery. Advising our guys to remain positive until we know more information. I’m trying to choose my words wisely. We’ll know more after the game.”

Roberts said Pollock’s elbow swelled and discolored, which signaled the infection. He reiterated that the elbow condition surfaced in the last few days and, in his opinion, was not responsible for the slow start of Pollock, who was signed to a four-year, $55 million contract in the offseason.

With Pollock placed on the injured list, perhaps for a lengthy stay, the Dodgers initially recalled utility man Matt Beaty from Triple-A Oklahoma City, which Roberts conceded “isn’t the most ideal” because the Dodgers are about to face left-handed starters. Pollock bats right-handed, Beaty bats left-handed. Beaty can play the corners in the infield and outfield. He got his first MLB hit in his first at-bat Tuesday.

Roberts started Kiké Hernández in Pollock’s center-field spot on Tuesday night and Max Muncy at second base, but insisted Hernandez will remain his primary second baseman. Roberts said rookie Alex Verdugo will receive more playing time in center field, even against left-handed pitchers, even though he was not in Tuesday night’s lineup against left-hander Drew Pomeranz.

This is Pollock’s fifth stint on the injured list. He also has had a broken thumb, broken wrist and groin strain.

Beaty, 26, was the 12th-round selection by the Dodgers in the 2015 Draft out of Belmont University. This is his first Major League promotion after being added to the 40-man roster on Nov. 20, 2018. Prior to the promotion, Beaty was batting .277 (23-for-83) with two homers and 10 RBIs in 22 games for OKC.