Dodgers recall Tim Federowicz from Triple-A, option Justin Sellers

The Dodgers on Wednesday bolstered their bench by recalling red-hot catcher Tim Federowicz from Triple-A Albuquerque, and optioned infielder Justin Sellers to Triple-A before their series finale against the Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.

"We had plenty of infielders," said manager Don Mattingly. "We look at it from the standpoint of having a better hitting bench."

Sellers was a surprise addition to the opening day roster, as the Dodgers went defense first to replace the injured Hanley Ramirez in the first month of the season. Sellers hit just .191/.267/.250 with one home run, one double, six runs scored and two RBI in 26 games. Even with Ramirez out again, this time with a hamstring injury, Sellers was down the depth chart as Dee Gordon was recalled Saturday to take over at shortstop.

Federowicz made the opening day roster, then was optioned to Triple-A when Ramon Hernandez was acquired from the Rockies in exchange for Aaron Harang. Federowicz came back up for about a week when the Dodgers went to Baltimore and used a designated hitter.

Federowicz is 0-for-5 with a walk in six major league games this season, but when he was sent down he destroyed Triple-A. In 13 games with the Isotopes, Federowicz hit .531/.561/1.082 with seven home runs, four doubles, a triple, and 20 RBI. He won the Pacific Coast League player of the week honors last week.

Mattingly said the three catchers will give from a chance to give more rest to A.J. Ellis, who Wednesday is starting his 27th of 33 games this season.

"We have played A.J. a lot to this point. Most of that was because of the number of off days," Mattingly said. "He's going to get his rest."

Mattingly said Federowicz is his number two catcher.

"Fed all along has been that guy. Fed is that guy," Mattingly said. "When we acquired Ramon, it was about having depth at the catching spot. He still gives us that experience, that depth. We always felt Fed was the guy coming, and Fed was the guy that would get the innings. Ramon gives us that third guy."

Hernandez is hitting just .045 (1-for-22) this season and is hitless in his last 17 at-bats. But Mattingly remains confident Hernandez, 37, will come around offensively.

"He can hit. Just because he hasn't to this point, doesn't mean he can't," Mattingly said. "He has a track record."

Game info

Time: 7:10 p.m.

TV: KCAL

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