Catcher A.J. Ellis, currently in the midst of an 0-for-16 slump, was given a day off Sunday by manager Don Mattingly. Matt Treanor is batting eighth and catching.
Ellis is still the team leader in on-base percentage, which is rather amazing given the talent around him in the Dodgers lineup, and a Sunday day off is nothing new.
But after starting the Dodgers’ past 11 games, a span that includes two off-days, Ellis’ problems at the plate have caught the attention of manager Don Mattingly.
“Just a drag in his swing,” Mattingly said. “He just looks a little tired.”
Ellis, 31, has appeared in 120 games this season — 10 more than his previous career high, which he set in 2007 with the Dodgers’ Double-A affiliate.
Expect Ellis to be back in the lineup Tuesday in Washington following Monday’s off-day.
“Hopefully (having two days off will) just give him some juice in the legs,” Mattingly said.