Dodgers adjust roster before doubleheader with Rockies

Dodgers outfielder Scott Van Slyke was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday morning before the first game of a doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies.

Van Slyke was diagnosed with mid-back inflammation, Manager Don Mattingly said.

Chris Heisey was recalled from triple-A Albuquerque to replace Van Slyke and will start in right field in the opening game of the doubleheader. For Heisey, the promotion gives him five full years of major league service time, meaning he now has the right to refuse a minor-league assignment.

The Dodgers were permitted to add a 26th player to their roster for the day and used the slot on left-hander Ian Thomas, who was acquired in the recent trade that sent Juan Uribe to the Atlanta Braves.

More moves could come.

With long reliever Juan Nicasio expected to pitch only two or three innings in his Game 1 start, Mattingly hinted the Dodgers could further alter their roster between games.

Shortstop Jimmy Rollins and catcher Yasmani Grandal will start the first game on the bench, as Mattingly wanted to avoid wearing them down. Andre Ethier will also be on the bench for the early contest, as the Dodgers are facing a left-hander in Jorge De La Rosa.

The Dodgers’ lineup for the first game:

Joc Pederson CF
Chris Heisey RF
Adrian Gonzalez 1B
Howie Kendrick 2B
Justin Turner 3B
Alex Guerrero LF
Enrique Hernandez SS
Austin Barnes C
Juan Nicasio P

In other news, Mattingly said an MRI examination revealed tendinitis in the elbow of Paco Rodriguez’s throwing arm. Mattingly said the left-hander could resume throwing in a few days.

Mattingly said there were no changes in Rodriguez’s elbow from the time he was signed. Something to remember: Mattingly made similar statements about Hyun-Jin Ryu’s shoulder. Those statements were true, but it turned out Ryu has a torn labrum all along. Ryu recently underwent a season-ending shoulder operation.