LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers called in reinforcements for the taxed bullpen just before Wednesday night's game with the Phillies by recalling switch-pitcher Pat Venditte from Triple-A Oklahoma City and placing slumping second baseman Chase Utley on the 10-day disabled list with a sprained left thumb.
Brock Stewart's four-inning start on Monday, followed by Kenta Maeda's 1 2/3-inning start on Tuesday, required Dodgers relievers to pick up 12 1/3 innings in two days. Manager Dave Roberts said Daniel Hudson and Erik Goeddel were unavailable to pitch on Wednesday.
Maeda was placed on the 10-day DL on Wednesday with a strained right hip. Pitching prospect Dennis Santana was recalled to replace Maeda and will likely make his MLB debut and start on Sunday in Colorado.
The 39-year-old Utley is hitting .216 while mired in a 1-for-26 slump. He appeared on Tuesday night as a pinch-hitter and was retired on a long fly ball to center field.