Russ Mitchell Joins Dodgers

Infielder Russ Mitchell has been recalled by the Los Angeles Dodgers and joined the team before it took on the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium Friday night. Mitchell takes the spot of Casey Blake, who was put on the Disabled List, retroactive to April 25, with a left elbow infection.

Mitchell saw action immediately in the Dodgers' 3-2 win over the Padres, entering the game as pinch-hitter in the bottom of the sixth and drawing a walk from San Diego starter Clayton Richard.

Mitchell was really starting to heat up with the Isotopes, batting .304 (7x23) with two homers and six RBI in his last six games with the 'Topes. In 17 games with Albuquerque so far this year, Mitchell was batting .214 (12x56) with eight runs scored, a double, three homers, and 12 RBI.

This will be the second career appearance in the Major Leagues for the popular infielder, who saw action in 15 games with the Dodgers in September of last year, becoming the first Los Angeles Dodger to have both of his first two career Major League hits be home runs.

The Isotopes are not planning to make a corresponding roster move immediately.