Van Slyke to DL; Heisey, Thomas join Dodgers
DENVER -- The Dodgers made another dizzying flurry of roster moves before each game of Tuesday's doubleheader, including placing outfielder Scott Van Slyke on the 15-day disabled list with left mid-back inflammation.
The Dodgers replaced Van Slyke on the roster by recalling Chris Heisey, who started both games against the Rockies. They also called up left-handed reliever Ian Thomas as the 26th player. Thomas took the loss in his Dodgers debut, allowing four runs in three innings of the 6-3 loss in the opener of the twin bill.
Before the second game, the club recalled left-handed reliever Daniel Coulombe and selected the contract of right-handed reliever Josh Ravin. Austin Barnes, who caught the first game, was optioned back to Triple-A. David Huff, who pitched in the first two games of the series, was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Ravin.
Van Slyke joins Yasiel Puig and Carl Crawford to give the Dodgers three outfielders on the disabled list and a current total of 10.
Van Slyke has been limited for a week with left mid-back inflammation, an injury sustained while he was sliding. He said he isn't sure when it occurred but realized that it wasn't getting any better trying to play through it. An MRI exam revealed inflammation around a rib joint. Van Slyke said the decision was made to let it heal completely.
Heisey has been called up four times this season. Coulombe is in his third stint with the Dodgers this year, while Ravin is making his Major League debut.
Thomas was acquired last week from Atlanta in the Juan Uribe trade, and Mattingly said the lefty was promoted because he can pitch multiple innings. The Dodgers decided to start reliever Juan Nicasio in the first game of the doubleheader, knowing several other relievers would be needed.
Regarding Nicasio, who was announced as the Game 1 starter late Monday night, Mattingly said the Dodgers' front office decided it was better to go with a bullpen game than to promote Zach Lee to make his Major League debut at Coors Field. Mattingly reiterated that Lee -- the club's No. 13 prospect, according to MLB.com -- is pitching well at Triple-A, where he struggled last season.