Austin Barnes optioned to Triple-A, Chris Hatcher reinstated by Dodgers

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers reinstated relief pitcher Chris Hatcher after just one day on the paternity list, and optioned catcher/infielder Austin Barnes to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

The move gives the Dodgers 13 pitchers on the active roster, including eight in the bullpen for now.

Barnes was 2-for-15 (.133) with two walks and an RBI in six games this season, including three starts at catcher and two games, including one start, at second base. He saw no time at catcher since Yasmani Grandal was activated from the disabled list on Tuesday, but did start at second base on Thursday.

"Austin is a nice young player, it's just hard to get him at-bats," manager Dave Roberts said.

Hatcher was placed on the paternity list on Thursday after the birth of his first child, Jensen Thomas Hatcher earlier in the day. By rule, a paternity list stay must be a minimum of one day and a maximum of three days.

Adam Liberatore was recalled on Thursday, giving the Dodgers two left-handed pitchers in their bullpen for the first time this season. Roberts said the club would likely carry two left-handed relievers at least through this Giants series as well as the next series in Atlanta against the Braves.

The Dodgers do have a stretch of 20 games in 20 days starting Tuesday, but also have Monday off after a weekend in which their top three starting pitchers are scheduled to pitch against the Giants, including Clayton Kershaw on Friday. If there was a time that eight relievers seem like a luxury, this appears to be it.

Then again, Kenley Jansen may or may not be available after earning saves in each of the last two days. He threw just 18 pitches and 14 pitches in those outings, but on Wednesday went up and down in recording the first five-out save of his career.