What's next for Yimi Garcia?

LOS ANGELES -- Trying to distract myself from watching Eric Surkamp pitch, here are some thoughts about the Dodgers' starting pitcher on Monday night against the Phillies.

Yimi Garcia allowed singles to the first two batters of the game in the first inning, but escaped the frame without any damage thanks in part to a strikeout of Howard. He allowed the first two hitters of the second to reach as well, but in much more damaging fashion, with a Cody Asche single followed by a Freddy Galvis home run, tying the game at 2-2.

It was the seventh home run allowed by Garcia in his last 23 innings over 26 appearances, and the fourth straight appearance Garcia has allowed at least one run.

Given that Garcia threw a career-high 43 pitches on Monday, he's likely unavailable for the next two, maybe three days. Given that the Dodgers have been aggressive with their roster management this season, it wouldn't surprise me if Garcia gets optioned for a fresh arm on Tuesday.

There is also the possibility of Garcia simply needing some time at Triple-A. But at the very least, Garcia would be eligible to return after the All-Star break, and the Dodgers would get another arm available for the rest of this series.

Among options on the 40-man, Matt West threw 36 pitches in his one inning of work on Monday so he's out, and Daniel Coulombe can't be brought back inside of 10 days unless replacing an injured player on the roster. So that leaves Josh Ravin, who last pitched on Wednesday, or Ian Thomas, scheduled to start for Oklahoma City on Tuesday.

I suppose we'll see on Tuesday if the Dodgers bring up a fresh arm or two for the next few days.