The Dodgers were bound to struggle offensively without superstar Matt Kemp, who was placed on the disabled list on May 14. But they have done anything but struggle, with several players taking turns fulfilling the hero role.
Tuesday's example was Ivan De Jesus Jr., who drove in the tying run in the seventh inning, then hit a booming two-run double in the ninth to give the Dodgers a comeback 8-7 win over the Diamondbacks in a game they once trailed by five runs.
The first extra-base hit of De Jesus' career capped quite a return for the infielder.
De Jesus was the Dodgers' minor league player of the year in 2008, but missed nearly a year after breaking his leg in spring training in 2009. Despite being on the 40-man roster, he was passed over for September call-ups in both 2010 and 2011.
Even this season, De Jesus was surpassed on the depth chart by 27-year old utility man Elian Herrera. But as literally the last healthy infielder on the 40-man roster, De Jesus was recalled on Saturday when Mark Ellis was placed on the disabled list. Now, De Jesus is simply the latest hero for a team that is 30-13, owners of the best record in baseball.
"This wonder team has now won six in a row, and we're using unusual names, like Justin Sellers and Matt Treanor, and tonight, Ivan De Jesus joining Scott Van Slyke," said broadcaster Vin Scully after Tuesday's game.
DeJesus helped the Dodgers to a 7-2 record without Kemp, and the club has averaged 5.11 runs per game in Kemp's absence.
NOTES, QUOTES
Gordon gets two hits in return from benching
--SS Dee Gordon returned to the starting lineup on Tuesday against Arizona after getting benched for three games following a 2-for-31 slump. Gordon hit eighth Tuesday night, the first time this season he batted anywhere but leadoff, and went 2-for-4 with a run scored in the Dodgers' win over the Diamondbacks.
--IF Ivan De Jesus Jr. drove in the tying run in the seventh inning, then hit a two-run double in the ninth inning to give the Dodgers an 8-7 win over the Diamondbacks on Tuesday. It was the first extra-base hit of De Jesus' career.
--2B Mark Ellis had to have a second surgery on Monday to drain his swollen left leg, two days after having an emergency fasciotomy to relieve pressure in the leg. "There will be more testing," manager Don Mattingly told MLB.com. "but they have to wait for this to heal."
--OF Tony Gwynn Jr. went 3-for-5 Tuesday to extend his hitting streak to eight games. In nine games since Matt Kemp went on the disabled list, Gwynn, filling in in center field for Kemp, is hitting .343 (12-for-35).
--IF Elian Herrera went 1-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored on Tuesday, and has at least one hit in each of his five starts this year.
BY THE NUMBERS: 7 -- Wins by the Dodgers in nine games without superstar Matt Kemp.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "This wonder team has now won six in a row, and we're using unusual names, like Justin Sellers and Matt Treanor. And tonight, Ivan De Jesus joining Scott Van Slyke. And somehow they win." -- Broadcaster Vin Scully, describing the Dodgers after their 8-7 comeback win on Tuesday in Arizona.
ROSTER REPORT
MEDICAL WATCH:
--2B Mark Ellis (left leg surgery) was placed on the disabled list on May 19. Ellis is expected to be hospitalized through May 22 and will miss at least six weeks. He had to have a second surgery on May 21 to drain his swollen left leg, two days after having an emergency fasciotomy to relieve pressure in the leg.
--RHP Matt Guerrier (right elbow tendinitis) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 19. He threw a bullpen session May 16 and then had to rest for three days with elbow soreness. He could be back by early June, but it will depend on how his elbow responds.
--INF/OF Jerry Hairston Jr. (strained left hamstring) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 7. He will play in a pair of minor league games on a rehab assignment on May 21 and 22 in extended spring training at the Dodgers complex in Glendale, Ariz., then get activated on May 23.
--3B Juan Uribe (sprained left wrist) went on the 15-day disabled list May 14. He will resume baseball activities by May 25.
--CF Matt Kemp (strained left hamstring) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 14. He received a platelet-rich plasma injection May 15 and began stretching and throwing drills May 17. He is expected to return from the disabled list on May 29, the first day he is eligible.
--OF/1B Juan Rivera (ruptured left hamstring) went on the 15-day disabled list May 9. He is expected to be out until at least late June.
--RHP Blake Hawksworth (arthroscopic right elbow surgeries in January 2012 and February 2012) went on the 60-day disabled list March 27.
--RHP Rubby De La Rosa (Tommy John surgery in August 2011) went on the 60-day disabled list March 26.
