Paco Rodriguez recalled, Dodgers option Carlos Triunfel to Triple-A Albuquerque

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Dodgers will have Paco Rodriguez back for their series in Minnesota, whenever weather might allow games to be played, as the left-handed reliever was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque. The Dodgers optioned infielder Carlos Triunfel back to the Isotopes.

Sending Triunfel back down is a strong vote of confidence for the health of Hanley Ramirez's thumb, which was bruised in a swing on Saturday night. Triunfel was recalled on Sunday to give the Dodgers an extra back-up infielder just in case, but he did not play.

Ramirez appeared as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning Sunday and hit an infield single.

It also means the Dodgers are back to a 13-man pitching staff, with three games scheduled in the next two days and part of 16 games in the next 15 days.

Rodriguez had a 3.18 ERA in eight games with the Dodgers this season, with five strikeouts and two walks in 5⅔ innings. He was optioned to Albuquerque on April 15, and pitched three scoreless innings in his three appearances with the Isotopes, with two hits allowed, two strikeouts and one save.

How long Rodriguez stays back in the majors is unknown, as the Dodgers were planning to go back to a regular five-man bench after their series with a designated hitter (and fewer double switches, if any) in Minnesota. The earliest Chone Figgins could return from Triple-A Albuquerque, unless he is replacing an injured player, is Thursday.

The Dodgers will also need another starting pitcher at some point, likely either as an allowed 26th man on the active roster for Thursday's doubleheader, or on Sunday in Miami. In addition, Clayton Kershaw will need to be added to the roster some time around Monday when he rejoins the rotation.

Brian Wilson has been largely ineffective so far but the Dodgers insist he is healthy, making a disabled list stint an unlikely roster move. Which means were are back to the dance of those who have options - Rodriguez and Chris Withrow - and those who don't.

But for now, Rodriguez is back.