Dodgers News: Ellis Reinstated From DL, Federowicz Optioned To Minors
After missing 18 games with a sprained ankle suffered in the celebration of Josh Beckett’s no-hitter May 25, the Dodgers announced A.J. Ellis has been reinstated from the disabled list and Tim Federowicz was optioned to Triple-A:
Today, the #Dodgers reinstated @AJEllis17 from the 15-day disabled list and optioned Tim Federowicz to @AbqTopes.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 13, 2014
Ellis is coming off a second stint on the DL, landing on it seven games into the season following surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee. The catcher’s position has largely been one of futility for the Dodgers.
Drew Butera and Federowicz handled the catching duties and as both failed to produce with the bat, Federowicz was optioned to the minors in favor of Miguel Olivo. The veteran catcher gave the Dodgers some punch offensively before tailing off.
Olivo was sent back to the minors and likely would have returned to the Dodgers had he not been involved in a fight with Albuquerque Isotopes teammate Alex Guerrero. Instead, Federowicz got a second opportunity after swinging the bat better with the Isotopes.
Ellis is batting .170 this season, albeit in limited opportunities. The 33-year-old is a career .252 hitter and earlier this season spoke of his awareness that he would need to produce in order to warrant a new contract. He’s played in 15 games this season, eight of which were between his return from meniscus surgery and spraining his ankle.
Ellis has otherwise been an ironman of sorts for the Dodgers and will now look to give the team some stability behind the plate.
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