Dodgers recall Austin Barnes, option Julio Urias to Triple-A

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers made a roster move before their weekend series against the Cardinals in St. Louis, optioning pitcher Julio Urias to Triple-A Oklahoma City one day after his spot start in Washington D.C. and recalling catcher/infielder Austin Barnes from Triple-A.

The bench was especially thin for the Dodgers on Thursday with shortstop Corey Seager and catcher Yasmani Grandal both unavailable with a stomach bug that seems to be prevalent among a few teams in baseball over the last week.

In the ninth inning against the Nationals, pitcher Kenta Maeda was used as a pinch hitter with no other position players available.

With three off days in an eight-day span starting Monday, the Dodgers don't technically need a fifth starter until Aug. 6. Should the club decide to use a fifth starter during that span, it won't be Urias.

Barnes hit .299/.383/.454 with 25 extra-base hits and 17 steals in 63 games with Oklahoma City. He did not play on Thursday night in Tacoma.

In his previous major league stints this season, Barnes was 2-for-19 (.105) with three walks in 10 games, including starts at catcher and second base.

With No. 28 now worn by Bud Norris, Barnes will wear number 15 with the Dodgers.