A historic day for Ausmus, an opportunity for Ellis

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A special club just became more exclusive.

Catcher Brad Ausmus was placed on the disabled list Saturday for the first time in his 17 seasons in the major leagues.

That leaves only three players with at least 10 years of major-league service who have never been on the DL -- Derek Lowe, Javier Vasquez and Randy Winn.

None, of course, are catchers, the most physically demanding position on the field.

‘He takes good care of himself,’ said Dodgers manager Joe Torre. ‘It’s remarkable to go 17 years without going on the DL.’

Some Dodgers fans may assume because Ausmus has served as Russell Martin’s backup the last two seasons, that he has largely been a reserve and not faced the daily catching grind.

But Ausmus spent almost all his career as the primary starter for San Diego, Detroit and Houston before joining the Dodgers. He’s played in nearly 2,000 career games.

It’s a remarkable achievement to go this long without serious injury. Still, it’s hardly a surprise that he’s on the DL for the first time at almost 41 -- Tuesday is his birthday.

The injury does not appear serious -- it’s the same pinched nerve in his lower back that sidelined him a week during spring training. Still, at his age and playing at his position, nothing can be taken for granted.

Ausmus going down means another opportunity for A.J. Ellis, called up to replace Ausmus on the roster. Torre said Ellis would start Sunday’s game in Florida.

With Martin out most of the spring with a sore groin, Ellis saw plenty of playing time in Arizona. He appeared in 21 games and won the confidence of the staff and management with the way he played behind the plate. He hit .278.

-- Steve Dilbeck