Dodgers use three-man bench after 14-inning game exhausts bullpen

On Thursday evening, for at least one night, the Dodgers crafted a roster with a clear oddity: only three men on the bench.

The team made a pair of roster moves before the series opener against San Diego, activating starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu from the disabled list and recalling reliever Carlos Frias.

Ryu received a start after missing all of 2015 because of shoulder surgery; Frias provided aid for a bullpen taxed during a 14-inning game Wednesday.

Both of the decisions were standard. But the team deviated from the norm in clearing space on the roster. The Dodgers elected to option reliever Luis Avilan back to triple-A Oklahoma City and designated outfielder Will Venable for assignment.

The loss of Venable left Manager Dave Roberts will only three position players available to substitute into the game.

“It’s a short bench,” Roberts said. “We thought four was short. But we’ll manage.”

The four-man bench became an issue during Wednesday’s marathon. Scott Kazmir entered the game as a pinch-hitter. Kenta Maeda was used as a pinch runner, but was unable to score from first base on an eighth-inning double by Chase Utley.

Given the repeatedly brief outings from the team’s starting rotation, the Dodgers require extra relievers. Roberts expects the club to use an eight-man bullpen, at least for the foreseeable future. The nine-man relief corps is a more temporary issue.

Few relievers in the Dodgers’ bullpen have minor league options, which would qualify them for relocation. The team chose not to risk losing Chris Hatcher (5.11 earned-run average), who could be claimed on waivers if the team had designated him for assignment.

Short hop

A day after setting a career-high with six hits, Utley received a day off. “I’ve self-admittedly said I play Chase a lot,” Roberts said. “He’s a hard guy to keep out of the lineup, because he does so many things to help you win baseball games.”

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