Report: Scott Van Slyke to be recalled to the Dodgers

Scott Van Slyke, newest Dodger?

Eric Stephen tweeted some potentially good news just minutes ago for Dodger fans:

"Source: Scott Van Slyke is getting called up to the Dodgers. He was hitting .336/.411/.623 w/ 9 2B & 8 HR in 32 games with @ABQTopes"

Click here to read Stephen's story about it.

Oh happy day.

During last night's game, I tweeted something about Van Slyke:

"This would be a good spot for Scott Van Slyke to pinch hit. Instead, Adam Kennedy is on the bench. #Dodgers"

Well, here's hoping that's the case now -- at least when he's not starting.

Of course the next question is: who is he replacing? Instant "analysis" says Juan Rivera, who came out of last night's game with a leg injury. He sat out a few games earlier this season because of a leg issue. That's the logical (hopeful) choice.

The next is Jerry Hairston, who hurt his hamstring running out an infield single this weekend in Chicago. He hasn't played since Sunday and his disabled list-stint could be retroactive to Monday.

There were concerns on Twitter Matt Kemp might be the one who was DL-bound. He was scratched on Sunday with a tight hamstring (made a pinch-hitting appearance) and came out of the game early on Monday night. However, he's in tonight's starting lineup, so that theory is out the window.

The potential best-case scenario is Kennedy, but the Dodgers would likely need to recall Justin Sellers if Kennedy were designated for assignment. I don't see that happening -- yet.

So, here's hoping Rivera is the guy going on the DL. It'd be nice to witness a Van Slyke-Kemp-Andre Ethier outfield. With the signing of Bobby Abreu, it's likely Van Slyke would play the same role as Rivera -- a right-handed platoon specialist in left field and at first base. As long as he's getting some at-bats, that's fine with me.

I wrote a piece about Van Slyke in February and thought he could be prototypical "late bloomer." He definitely has the pedigree and the power potential the Dodgers desperately need.

Van Slyke might not be the savior of the offense, but it can't hurt to give him a shot.

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And then there's this is from my latest post at Chad Moriyama:

"Player of the Week

Scott Van Slyke – OF/1B

Van Slyke tends to hit in waves, and this week was no exception. He went 7-for-23 (.304) with four home runs, eight RBI, six runs scored, and five walks. His best game came on Thursday, when he went 3-for-5 with two home runs against Oklahoma City. He's up to .330/.406/.626 on the season."

So, his potential call-up is quite timely, especially after posting a 1.032 OPS with the Isotopes.

Photo credit: Mr. Littlehand, Flickr