Dodgers recall Daniel Coulombe, option Chris Heisey to Triple-A

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers added a relatively fresh arm to their bullpen, recalling Daniel Coulombe from Triple-A Oklahoma City, and optioning outfielder Chris Heisey back to Triple-A before Thursday's series finale against the Rangers.

This is the fourth major league stint this season for the southpaw Coulombe, who threw 24 pitches for OKC on Wednesday night.

The Dodgers had only six pitchers in the bullpen on Wednesday and an 11-man pitching staff after spending most of the year with either 12 or 13 pitchers. Manager Don Mattingly said Wednesday that another reliever would be added, even though Dodgers starters have helped out by averaging 6.64 innings per start over the last 13 games.

"We definitely need another reliever," Mattingly said Wednesday. "We're going to have to get back to normal."

Heisey reached five years of major league service time on June 2, giving him the right to refuse any minor league assignment, but a source says the outfielder plans to accept his fifth trip to Oklahoma City this season and stay in the organization.

The 30-year-old would be a free agent by refusing the assignment, but instead will continue to earn his $2.16 million salary, which at this point in the season is nearly $1.3 million left, while in the minors.

Heisey was 4-for-26 (.154) with a double in 17 games with the Dodgers this season, but also has eight walks in 34 plate appearances for a .353 on-base percentage. He started three games in center field, three games in left field and twice in right.

In 28 games with Oklahoma City, Heisey hit .234/.354/.574 with 20 runs scored, 19 RBI and a team-leading 10 home runs.