PHOENIX — Andre Ethier was ejected after grounding out as a pinch-hitter in the top of the seventh inning of the Dodgers’ 9-5 win in their series opener against the D-backs on Tuesday night.
Ethier, batting for starting pitcher Roberto Hernandez with the Dodgers ahead 8-3, grounded out to third base to end the inning and, after returning to the dugout, was ejected by plate-umpire Will Little, although Ethier was already out of the game, having been replaced by reliever J.P. Howell.
It was Ethier’s first ejection of the year and fourth of his career.
Ryu to face hitters before naming return date
PHOENIX — Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu said he felt no pain throwing a bullpen session at moderate intensity on Tuesday and will face hitters on Wednesday to help determine when he comes off the disabled list.
Manager Don Mattingly said Ryu, out with a strained right gluteus muscle, could return to the rotation as early as Sunday. The left-hander is eligible to be activated Friday, but Mattingly said Dan Haren will pitch Friday and Zack Greinke will pitch on Saturday.
Ryu wouldn’t speculate when he would be able to return. Rosters expand on Monday, when it won’t be necessary to move a player to make room for Ryu’s return. Mattingly said the roster move is part of the decision.
Ryu has allowed only one run in 19 innings this year to the Padres, Sunday’s opponent. He hasn’t faced the Nationals, Monday’s opponent, this year.
Following Ryu to the bullpen mound Tuesday was Paco Rodriguez, still rehabbing from a teres major strain near his shoulder. It was the left-handed reliever’s third bullpen session and he’s throwing at about 70 percent effort.
Top prospect Seager among four heading to AFL
PHOENIX — Infielder Corey Seager is one of four Dodgers prospects named Tuesday to the Glendale Desert Dogs’ roster for the upcoming Arizona Fall League.
Seager, infielder Darnell Sweeney, outfielder Scott Schebler and left-handed reliever Michael Thomas are on the initial roster of the Desert Dogs. Three more Dodgers could be added.
Seager, 20, is ranked the 16th best prospect by MLB.com. The first-round pick in 2012 has a combined 19 homers and 91 RBIs this year splitting time between Class A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga and Double-A Chattanooga.
Schebler, 23, was a 26th-round pick in 2010 from Des Moines Community College who hit 27 home runs last year at Rancho Cucamonga and this year is hitting .283 with 27 homers and 72 RBIs at Chattanooga.
Sweeney, 23, was a 13th-round pick in 2012 from the University of Central Florida who drove in 77 runs last year at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and this year is hitting .285 with 14 homers and 55 RBIs at Double-A Chattanooga.
Thomas, 25, was a 35th-round pick in 2011 out of Rider University who is 4-3 with a 2.79 ERA in 46 relief appearances this year at Double-A Chattanooga.
The Desert Dogs, who play home games at Camelback Ranch-Glendale, will also include players from the Brewers, Orioles, Tigers and White Sox.
Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.