Dodgers option Tim Federowicz to Triple-A to make room for Ted Lilly

The Dodgers on Wednesday recalled Ted Lilly to make his start against the Mets at Citi Field, and optioned catcher Tim Federowicz to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Lilly began the year on the disabled list technically as recovering from September shoulder surgery, but it was really to get his arm stretched out after a spring interrupted by illness and rain. Lilly threw 17 innings in three rehab starts with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga and Triple-A Albuquerque, and allowed 15 runs (13 earned runs), including five home runs, with 15 strikeouts and two walks.

Lilly last pitched on a major league mound last May 23.

The Dodgers recalled Federowicz on Apr. 17 when Chris Capuano went on the disabled list, giving them an extra position player for five games, including the three weekend games against the Orioles in Baltimore. While the Dodgers didn't start a catcher at designated hitter over the weekend, the extra flexibility of a third catcher meant two at-bats in reserve on Saturday in Baltimore for Ramon Hernandez, and a pair of pinch hitting opportunities for Federowicz late in blowouts. They combined to go 0-for-4 in those plate appearances.

Federowicz in his brief time down with Triple-A Albuquerque hit .533 (8-for-15) with two home runs and six runs batted in in four games.

Because Federowicz was recalled before his previous option lasted 20 days, he is given credit and is paid for continuous major league service time through Tuesday.