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The curious case of Hector Gimenez

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A team has to call up a player from the minor leagues or activate someone from the disabled list. But for that to happen, a roster spot has to be cleared. On the day of the roster move, another player happens to reveal that he is injured. The injured player is moved to the disabled list. Like that, a roster spot is created.

Isn’t it strange how frequently this happens?

Well, the Dodgers had to promote John Ely from triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday and, suddenly, the pain in backup catcher Hector Gimenez’s right knee became so severe that he had to be placed on the 15-day disabled list.

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The Dodgers insisted Gimenez was really hurt, as did Gimenez.

In fact, Manager Don Mattingly said fellow catcher A.J. Ellis was on his way to Albuquerque until assistant trainer Todd Tomczyk informed him that Gimenez was in pain.

Ellis had his bags packed.

“I was organizing,” Ellis later said.

Ellis has a minor-league option remaining, meaning he can be demoted without having to clear waivers. Gimenez, though, is out of options and could be claimed by another team if he’s sent back to the minors.

But Ellis, who is considered the stronger defensive catcher, was behind the plate for the Dodgers’ shutout victory on Saturday night. Gimenez is one for seven batting this season.

Gimenez supported Mattingly’s account.

“They asked me how I was feeling,” Gimenez said. “I told them it wasn’t getting any better.”

Gimenez said his knee has been bothering him since spring training. He said he would return to the Dodgers’ spring training complex in Arizona to receive treatment.

-- Dylan Hernandez in San Diego

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