LOS ANGELES — Juan Uribe appearances have been few and far between in recent weeks, and it doesn’t look as if that is going to change.
Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said Uribe will get the call if a good matchup or a pinch-hit and double-switch opportunity comes up, but at this point he considers the infielder an extra on a team with a pretty much set lineup.
“I’m going to play the team that gives us the best chance to win,” Mattingly said.
Mattingly said Uribe has been understanding about the lack of playing time, which is the result of a .193 batting average this season in 150 at-bats.
Uribe has appeared in only 10 games since the All-Star break, and most of those appearances have been as a defensive replacement or pinch-hitter late in games.
“I’m sure he’s not happy,” Mattingly said. “I guess you really don’t want him to be happy.”
Mattingly would welcome Victorino back to LA
LOS ANGELES — Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said he would be all for re-signining Shane Victorino who, according to a report from ESPNLosAngeles.com, told his agents he doesn’t want be a two- or three-month rental.
“He fits for really what we’ve missed,” said Mattingly, who added Victorino’s ability to play all three outfield positions and hit from both sides makes him very valuable. “We were looking for a guy up front at the top of the order. When Dee [Gordon] struggled, we didn’t really have a leadoff guy.”
In the meantime, Mattingly said there is other stuff going on right now more important than worrying about next year. He added if he was in Victorino’s shoes, he would want to make sure this is absolutely where he wants to be following this season.
Victorino has gone 4-for-21 in his first five games with the Dodgers, but he has added energy to the clubhouse while stabilizing the leadoff spot.
Worth noting
• Justin Sellers, who is on the 60-day disabled list with a bulging disk, had an epidural because of back pain. The infielder is going to take two days off before going back to Arizona to continue his rehab.
• Ted Lilly threw a bullpen session on Monday, and manager Don Mattingly said the starter felt good afterward. He added Lilly, who has been out with shoulder problems, still felt confident he would be back this season.
Alex Angert is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
