Dodgers call up Scott Van Slyke from triple A

Scott Van Slyke will get another chance to show he can play in the major leagues.

Van Slyke, the Dodgers’ minor league player of the year in 2011, was promoted from triple-A Albuquerque on Friday to provide outfield depth. Utilityman Elian Herrera was sent back to Albuquerque, three days after he was called up.

When Van Slyke was in the major leagues for the first time last season, he looked overmatched, batting .167 in 54 at-bats. The Dodgers removed him from their 40-man roster over the winter.

But with the offense stalled and injuries mounting, the Dodgers will give him another look.

Van Slyke, 26, has been tearing up the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, leading the league with a .397 average. His nine home runs and 32 runs are tied for the league lead. He also has 30 RBIs in 34 games.

Chad Billingsley was moved to the 60-day disabled list to open a spot for Van Slyke on the 40-man roster. Billingsley will miss the remainder of the season as he recovers from reconstructive elbow surgery.