LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers are cautiously optimistic Juan Uribe can avoid the 15-day disabled list, with manager Don Mattingly saying Uribe would even be available as a pinch hitter or as part of a double switch during Monday night’s game with the Miami Marlins.
Uribe took batting practice on the field for the first time since straining his right hamstring in Thursday night’s game. If all goes well, he could be in the starting lineup Tuesday night. In Uribe’s absence, Dodgers third basemen have gone 1-for-10. Uribe also might be the Dodgers’ best fielder.
“He’s kind of done enough stuff that [trainer Stan Conte] is feeling good about him today,” Mattingly said. “At this moment, Juan will be available in different roles tonight. No DL.”
Also, catcher A.J. Ellis is scheduled to end his two-game minor league rehab assignment Tuesday and could be activated from the DL. Ellis had arthroscopic knee surgery April 8.
