Dodgers bring back Van Slyke, option Herrera

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers recalled outfielder Scott Van Slyke from Triple-A Albuquerque and optioned utility man Elian Herrera on Wednesday.

Van Slyke was sent down to the Minor Leagues on July 21, when Matt Kemp was activated from the disabled list. But Kemp sprained his ankle in an awkward slide at the plate and went back on the DL. The Dodgers replaced Kemp with Ted Lilly, and then designated the left-hander for assignment after one game.

When Lilly departed, Herrera was recalled because Van Slyke hadn't spent the mandatory 10 days in the Minors following his option. The 10th day was Tuesday.

In 33 games with the Dodgers this year, Van Slyke is hitting .241 with six home runs, six doubles and 14 RBIs.

"He gives us something that we don't really have: a guy off the bench that can hit you a home run," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said.

Mattingly will also use Van Slyke to occasionally spell Adrian Gonzalez at first base. Gonzalez has started 102 of the Dodgers' 106 games.