The September Call Ups

I look forward to September 1st every year. That is when Major League Baseball teams can expand their rosters to 40 players. The Dodgers called up seven players. With the Dodgers being in such a tight pennant race, ordinarily the pitchers would only get an inning at garbage time or the hitters would get a pinch hitting appearance just to get their feet wet. Because of injuries this year the Dodgers need these players to play a key role down the stretch to win the National League West. The Dodgers recalled Pitchers Yimi Garcia and Carlos Frias. Frias already has one start under his belt, pitching 6 scoreless innings against the Washington Nationals in a game the Dodgers lost in extra innings 8-5. He had an earlier call up when he got into 8 games, all in relief. The Dodgers recalled Infielders Erisbel Arruebarrena, Miguel Rojas, and Alex Guerrero. Infield depth has been a problem for most of the season and Miguel Rojas has gotten a lot of playing time this year. The Dodgers also recalled Catcher Tim Federowicz who made the team out of Spring Training but he wasn't hitting. He tore up the Pacific Coast League when he was sent down and Starter A.J. Ellis has been below the Mendoza Line all year long. Federowicz had the opportunity to stake his claim to the starting catching job and he may have one more chance. Ellis's big advantage is he is a great defensive catcher, calls a great game, and has the confidence of the entire Dodgers pitching staff. The most interesting call up was Prize Prospect, Outfielder Joc Pederson. Pederson was the first 30/30 player in the Pacific Coast League in 80 years and only the 4th one in the PCL's storied history. The Dodgers didn't waste any time putting him into the lineup as he has started several games since his call up.