Dioner Navarro Designated For Assignment; A.J. Ellis Recalled

The Dodgers designated catcher Dioner Navarro for assignment before Tuesday's game with the Cardinals, and recalled A.J. Ellis from Triple A Albuquerque. The Dodgers were unable to catch lightning in a bottle with Navarro, whom they signed to a $1 million guaranteed contract this winter despite hitting a combined .212/.263/.306 in 2009-2010 with Tampa Bay. Navarro didn't recapture his 2008 All-Star form this season, instead hitting .193/.276/.324.

Navarro's work behind the plate left a lot to be desired, especially during this road trip, as he often had trouble blocking balls in the dirt, and his arm was erratic at best. Navarro had seven errors, third most among National League catchers, despite catching just 38% of the innings for the Dodgers this season.

But we'll always have those three 1-0 RBI from Navarro.

Ellis hit .304/.467/.418 in 59 games with the Isotopes this season, including .301/.448/.410 in 26 games after getting optioned during the All-Star break. Ellis in July hit his first home run since 2008, then three days later hit another one. In two stints with the Dodgers this season, Ellis hit .222/.364/.222 in 16 games.

Navarro is immediately off the 40-man roster, and the Dodgers have 10 days to trade or release him. He will have to be placed on waivers at some point in the next week.

Lineups

Game Time: 5:15 p.m.

TV: KCAL

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