MILWAUKEE -- The Dodgers needed to find a roster spot for Wednesday's starting pitcher, Brock Stewart, and it figured to be Kiké Hernandez's, but it came with a twist.
Instead of being optioned to Triple-A, the struggling Hernandez was placed on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation of the left rib cage, which manager Dave Roberts said has bothered him for nearly two weeks.
"Where he's at right now, he doesn't feel he can contribute and play," Roberts said.
Hernandez said he was injured doing pregame throwing drills and thought he could play through it. His playing time lately, however, has been shifted to newly acquired Chris Taylor, who, like Hernandez, is a right-handed-hitting utility man.
The club also moved left-hander Alex Wood from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL, freeing a 40-man roster spot for Stewart. Wood has a left elbow injury, and Roberts said the hope is for a return date in early August. He said Wood would resume throwing off a mound next week. Hernandez is being disabled retroactive to Tuesday.
Hernandez, 24, was batting .189 with five home runs and 12 RBIs in 65 games with Los Angeles.