Monday, June 4, 2012

Dodgers make a DL swap with Rivera and Guerra

The Dodgers pulled off a double switch before their game Monday night in Philadelphia, activating Juan Rivera from the 15-day DL, and placing Javy Guerra right in his place with knee inflammation.

Scott Van Slyke has been optioned back to Triple-A Albuquerque to make room for Rivera.  In Guerra's place will be righty Shawn Tolleson.

It's good to see Rivera back, especially since Matt Kemp will be gone until the end of the month at least.  He was only hitting .247 with 2 homers and 13 RBIs before getting hurt, but proved last year that he can be an effective run producer, driving in 46 in 62 games.  Plus, he gives Don Mattingly a better option than James Loney at first when lefties are on the mound.  Heck, even with righties on the mound considering Loney's hitting a pathetic .248.

Tolleson is the reigning organizational Pitcher of the Year.  He had a 1.17 ERA last season, along with an incredible 105 strikeouts in 69 innings.  This year his ERA is 2.82, along with 34 strikeouts in 22 1/3 innings.  He'll slide right in the spot left open by Guerra, who has pitched well since being demoted from the closer's role in early May.

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