M. Ellis getting healthy thanks to limited workload

LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said he will continue giving second baseman Mark Ellis alternate days off "so he can get over the hump" with a strained right groin that Ellis said has improved significantly in the last three days.

As added protection with the injuries to Ellis and shortstop Hanley Ramirez, shortstop Dee Gordon started at second base for Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday night.

The club is also finally considering getting Gordon some outfield playing time.