Juan Uribe Placed On DL, Matt Kemp In Limbo (Even If He Can't Limbo Right Now)

Players are dropping like flies at Dodger Stadium! As we awaited results of Matt Kemp's MRI exam, another injury popped up. Juan Uribe experienced pain in his left wrist, the same one that caused him to miss games on each of the last two road trips, and was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

But as for Kemp, the only news right now is no news. He is still officially day-to-day, though his MRI did confirm a left hamstring strain. Don Mattingly said Kemp might be able to pinch hit tonight, but more on that in a minute.

The Dodgers recalled 27-year old utility man Elian Herrera from Triple A Albuquerque to take Uribe's place on the roster. Given the late notice of Uribe's injury - he was originally in the starting lineup - Herrera is currently on his way to Los Angeles from Salt Lake City, where the Isotopes are playing. Herrera is expected to arrive at Dodger Stadium at some point shortly after the game begins.

"Manny Mota told me early in spring training, 'You have to get Herrera over here. He's leading off in the Dominican and swinging the bat really good'," Mattingly said. "He's kind of our version of Jerry Hairston in the minor leagues. He plays everywhere, he plays outfield, he plays infield."

To make room for Herrera on the 40-man roster, outfielder Trent Oeltjen was designated for assignment.

Uribe got a cortisone shot when the Dodgers were in Colorado, the second time his left wrist was bothering him this season. He missed four games in Milwaukee and Houston, and was limited to one pinch-hitting appearance in a five-game span in Colorado and Chicago. After Uribe experienced pain again today, the Dodgers decided to place him on the disabled list.

"They told me then that this thing could come back, and if it does they'd have to do more tests," Mattingly said. "Hopefully it's something that is not major, and he'll be back in two weeks. We're a better lineup when he's out there."

Uribe is the third Dodger in six days to be placed on the disabeld list, joining Jerry Hairston Jr. and Juan Rivera.

After we got the news on Uribe, the Dodgers were still awaiting word on Kemp's MRI results. After meeting with reporters, Mattingly and the training staff met with Dr. Neal ElAttrache to discuss the results. After about an hour, we got the update which was really not much of an update.

My theory is that the Dodgers will decide to place Kemp on the disabled list, but will wait to do so after the game. With no other player yet here that could replace Kemp on the active roster (the roster spot, not his actual production), there is no reason for the Dodgers to let the Diamondbacks know that Kemp is not available tonight.

So for now, Kemp is available to pinch hit. Let Kirk Gibson manage around that possibility, and if there is a roster move to be made, do it after the game, officially.

Starting Lineups

Adam Kennedy gets the start at third base in place of Uribe, batting seventh just as Uribe was listed.

Game Time: 7:10 p.m.

TV: Prime Ticket

MLB Gameday