Being swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates over the weekend carried a heavy price tag for the Dodgers. The Dodgers said Kendrick had a platelet-rich plasma injection Monday. Previous rumors suggested the Dodgers might be interested in re-signing Kendrick, but now that their starting rotation and bullpen are pretty much in shambles (aside from a few arms), the team may want to focus exclusively on pitching acquisitions in the offseason. “They’re going to be a couple of weeks at least, and then we’ll see where we’re at”, Mattingly added. Utley is from Southern California, is nicknamed “Hollywood”, and would slot in at second base right across from his 12-season double play partner in Jimmy Rollins.
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In Kendrick’s absence, the Dodgers recalled infielder Jose Peraza from Triple-A Oklahoma City to take his roster spot.
Peraza’s only been a member of the Dodgers organization for a short time since he came over from the Atlanta Braves in the three-team, 13-player trade right before the July 31 trade deadline. He has the highest batting average in the majors against left-handers. Kiké Hernandez will remain the primary backup at shortstop, Mattingly said; Hernandez is also slated to get the majority of the plate appearances there while Kendrick is out. We’ve got confidence in our guys. “We feel like they are going to do the job”.
Peraza is the first Dodgers player to triple in his first major league game since pitcher Doug Rau on September 2, 1972, and one of just eight to do so since 1914. In fact, he has allowed 12 earned runs in 3 2/3 innings for a staggering ERA of 29.45. But Manager Don Mattingly said Kendrick’s benefit goes far beyond numerals. “An enormous a part of us”.
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Whatever the move, if any, it might only be for a few days because Justin Turner is expected to return from the disabled list this week.
