Dodgers News: Dodgers Activate Elian Herrera, Designate Ted Lilly

The Dodgers made a shocking roster move this afternoon as utility man Elian Herrera was seen in the clubhouse, but his addition didn’t add up.

It was also reported that that Scott Van Slyke was coming up as well, but he’s not eligible to return from AAA until next week.

However, according to the Dodgers official Twitter account, Ted Lilly was designated for assignment to make room for Herrera:

#Dodgers today designated Ted Lilly for assignment and recalled infielder/outfielder Elian Herrera from @AbqTopes.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 25, 2013

The move is surprising since manager Don Mattingly said that Lilly accepted a role in the bullpen, but he admitted this afternoon there just wasn’t room for him in the ‘pen.

In five starts this season, Lilly had an ERA of 5.09 and his velocity deteriorated since he signed a three-year extension with the club.

With the way the Dodgers bullpen is constructed, J.P. Howell and Paco Rodriguez both are used against left-handed hitters, so Lilly was the odd man out.

Since he’s been injured for the better part of two seasons, it sounds like Lilly’s career is at the end of the line at this point.

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In case you missed it, be sure to find out the latest on Matt Kemp’s ankle injury.