Dodgers activate 'cat burglar' Peralta

CHICAGO -- The Dodgers optioned relievers Daniel Coulombe and Matt West to Triple-A on Monday and activated right-hander Joel Peralta off the disabled list.

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They also recalled left-hander Ian Thomas from Oklahoma City in time for the series opener with the Cubs.

Peralta's return was welcomed by manager Don Mattingly. The veteran had not allowed a run in seven appearances before being felled by a bulging disk in his neck that was initially thought to require season-ending surgery. He last appeared for the Dodgers on April 23.

But with rest and rehabilitation, the inflammation subsided, and Peralta was able to resume throwing. He said that during a five-game Minor League rehab assignment he had no discomfort.

Mattingly said Peralta gives hitters a different look than young power relievers like West, Yimi Garcia, Chris Hatcher, Pedro Baez or Kenley Jansen.

"He's like a cat burglar," Mattingly said. "You look at the stuff, he's not throwing 98 [mph], so how's he getting people out? But he's not afraid of throwing any pitch in any count. He doesn't give in to a hitter."

Mattingly said Baez (strained pectoral muscle) still has at least two more rehab games before he'll rejoin the club. Coulombe and West pitched on Sunday.