Dodgers Recall Hoffmann, Option Ely (AKA Jon Garland Pitches Friday)

Before the start of a three-game series at AT&T Park with the Giants, the Dodgers have recalled outfielder Jamie Hoffmann from Triple A Albuquerque. John Ely was optioned back to Triple A, which is a clear indication that the Dodgers are confident that Jon Garland, who pitched a rehab game with Class A Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday, will be ready to pitch Friday at Dodger Stadium against the Cardinals.

It also likely means that Hoffmann's stay with the Dodgers figures to be a short one. They will use his right-handed bat off the bench over the next four games, three of which will be started by left-handers: tonight against Madison Bumgarner, Wednesday against Jonathan Sanchez, and Thursday at Dodger Stadium against Jaime Garcia of St. Louis. Even if Hoffmann doesn't start a game, he can play all three outfield positions, making him a valuable potential late-inning sub. It's also worth nothing that the Giants carry three left-handed relief pitchers, while the Cardinals have two of their own.

Hoffmann will wear number 35 for the Dodgers.

Lineups

Casey Blake is sitting for the second straight game. Before Sunday's game in San Diego, manager Don Mattingly said Blake showed no ill-effects from his game-ending interference collision with Chase Headley of the Padres. However, now that Blake is sitting again, perhaps that diagnosis was a tad premature.

Game Time: 7:15 p.m.

TV: KCAL

MLB Gameday