The Dodgers were quite busy before their series opener on Monday in Philadelphia. The Dodgers activated Juan Rivera from the disabled list and optioned 2011 minor league player of the year Scott Van Slyke to Triple A Albuquerque. But 2011 minor league pitcher of the year Shawn Tolleson is up with the Dodgers.

The Dodgers placed Javy Guerra on the 15-day disabled list with right knee inflammation, and moved Matt Guerrier to the 60-day disabled list to make room on the roster for Tolleson, who made a meteoric rise through the top four levels of the minor league system in a little over a calendar year.

Tolleson, who the Dodgers drafted in the 30th round in 2010, was promoted to Triple A last month, and he had 15 strikeouts and one walk in 9 1/3 innings with Albuquerque, with a 4.82 ERA in the hitter friendly Pacific Coast League. In his brief minor league career, the 24-year old Tolleson has 178 strikeouts and 28 walks in 120 innings, with a 1.35 ERA.

Last month, Dodgers assistant general manager De Jon Watson said of Tolleson's move to Triple A, "It's time for another challenge." When asked what Tolleson's MLB future holds, Watson added, "It's all about need, opportunity, and timing."

For Tolleson, the timing is now.

Starting Lineups

Before last Thursday, James Loney had started against every right-handed pitcher the Dodgers had faced this year. He sat that night against Zack Greinke, and he is sitting tonight against Vance Worley of the Phillies, with Rivera playing first base. That sounds like a benching to me, at least for now.

Tony Gwynn Jr. was originally in Monday's lineup, but was a scratch for a yet unknown reason. Elian Herrera, who was slated for third base, shifts to center field, with Adam Kennedy now at third.

Game Time: 4:05 p.m.

TV: KCAL

MLB Gameday