Dodgers Recall Van Slyke

The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled infielder/outfielder Scott Van Slyke today, August 16, after he rejoined the Isotopes on August 8. In a corresponding move, catcher Damaso Espino was activated from the disabled list.

The 27-year-old will be making his fourth stint with the Dodgers this season and has a .242 batting average with seven doubles, six homers and 15 RBI in 36 games with the Dodgers. Since being optioned on Aug. 4, Van Slyke appeared in six games with the Isotopes, batting .292 (7-for-24) with two homers and six RBI. Van Slyke is hitting .347 with 12 homers and 41 RBI in 52 games with Albuquerque this season. He opened the season with the Isotopes.

 Espino was originally placed on the disabled list on August 2 with a right calf strain. Espino, 30, has played 17 games for Albuquerque, starting 16 games at catcher tossing out seven of 21 potential base stealers (33%). The backstop is hitting .321 (18-for-56) with five doubles and four RBI since joining the Isotopes on June 23. Espino was signed as a free agent by the Dodgers after beginning the season with the Chicago White Sox Triple-A affiliate, the Charlotte Knights.

 Albuquerque opens a five game series on the road against the Oklahoma City RedHawks tonight at 6:05 PM MDT. The Isotopes trail the first-place RedHawks by three games in American Southern Division standings. Righty Red Patterson (6-4, 3.38) will take the ball for Albuquerque against Oklahoma City's righty David Martinez (0-1, 8.31). Catch all of the game action on 610 Am "The Sports Animal" with Josh Suchon on the call.