Scott Van Slyke recalled, Dee Gordon optioned by Dodgers; Brian Wilson waits

The Dodgers did option shortstop Dee Gordon to Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday, a move that was expected with the return of shortstop Hanley Ramirez to the lineup. But rather than to make room for relief pitcher Brian Wilson, Gordon was optioned in favor of Scott Van Slyke, who was recalled from the Isotopes before the Dodgers' game against the Phillies.

Gordon was 5-for-14 (.357) in six games in his latest stint with the Dodgers. He was recalled on Aug. 5, when both Van Slyke and Elian Herrera couldn't be called up within 10 days of getting optioned without someone getting placed on the disabled list. Gordon also made four errors in his three starts at shortstop, including three on Sunday night against the Rays.

Van Slyke has hit .242/.327/.505 with six home runs and seven doubles in 36 games with the Dodgers this season, including .262/.373/.548 in all of 51 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers.

Wilson is with the team in Philadelphia, and threw a simulated game at Citizens Bank Park before Friday's game, throwing to Gordon, Matt Kemp and Nick Punto. Wilson threw the equivalent of 1⅓ innings, per David Vassegh of 570 AM. Wilson was wearing No. 00, a number no Dodger has ever worn.

Brian Wilson, wearing No. 00, faces Dee Gordon, Matt Kemp and Nick Punto in sim game: pic.twitter.com/AfPTLP5BPo

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 16, 2013

Wilson is likely to get activated this weekend, either Saturday or Sunday. Now the question is who will the Dodgers remove from the roster to make room for him. Without Gordon to option, the Dodgers could possibly still option Van Slyke if they decide to carry 13 pitchers. But more likely they will move a pitcher, meaning either Chris Withrow getting optioned for two weeks until rosters expand, ending the Carlos Marmol experiment (which seems unlikely), or possibly placing a pitcher on the disabled list.