HOFFMANN SENT DOWN TO AAA TO "PLAY"

By Ken Gurnick / MLB.com
06/15/09 7:55 PM ET
LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers did some roster juggling Monday, calling up catcher A.J. Ellis from Triple-A Albuquerque while sending outfielder Jamie Hoffmann back to Albuquerque. Infielder Blake DeWitt was optioned to Albuquerque following Sunday's game in Texas.

That leaves the club one player short of the 25-man limit and that move will be made before Tuesday's game.

It could mean the promotion of journeyman Minor League outfielder Mitch Jones, who would provide a right-handed power bat off the bench. Jones is not on the Major League 40-man roster, so his promotion would necessitate a corresponding move to make room. The 31-year-old Jones has never played in the Major Leagues, having been promoted once by the Yankees, but never entering a game.

The club apparently wants DeWitt and Hoffmann to continue their development while playing every day at Triple-A. Ellis would probably remain with the club until pitcher Eric Milton returns from the disabled list, which could happen as soon as Sunday.

Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.