Houston Astros sign Josh Reddick.

Josh Reddick

Josh Reddick slashed .258/.307/.643 in 47 regular season games with the Dodgers. (Keith Birmingham/Staff photographer)

Outfielder Josh Reddick, who played 57 games for the Dodgers in 2016, has signed with the Houston Astros for four years and $52 million.

The Dodgers acquired Reddick from the Oakland A’s on Aug. 1. He proceeded to slash .258/.307/.335 in 47 regular-season games, and .308/.321/.308 in the postseason. Because he was traded during the season, Reddick wasn’t eligible to receive a qualifying offer — a one-year contract that would have allowed the Dodgers to gain a 2018 draft pick if Reddick signed elsewhere.

The Dodgers acquired Reddick in large part because of the uncertainty around right fielder Andre Ethier, who fractured his leg in spring training and wasn’t cleared to play until September. When Ethier returned — and hit effectively — Reddick’s long-term value to the Dodgers diminished. Ethier has no-trade protection and another year left on his contract. Between him and rookie Andrew Toles, the left-handed hitting corner outfielder roles were already filled. Reddick’s quick exit came as little surprise.

Why A.J. Ellis, and not Yasmani Grandal, started against a right-handed pitcher Sunday.

Clayton Kershaw

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly didn’t follow his usual script for catchers Yasmani Grandal (left) and A.J. Ellis this weekend. (Associated Press photo)

HOUSTON — Yasmani Grandal has caught Zack Greinke‘s last 15 starts, including Saturday, and 23 of 25 overall this season. He probably would’ve caught a 24th had he not missed a week in May because of a concussion.
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Kiké Hernandez, not Joc Pederson, is the Dodgers’ primary center fielder for now.

Kiké Hernandez

Dodgers center fielder Kiké Hernandez has a .957 OPS in August. (Associated Press photo)

HOUSTON — One day after Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson was benched against Scott Kazmir, a left-handed pitcher, he was out of the lineup again with right-hander Lance McCullers starting for the Houston Astros.

Kiké Hernandez has started both games instead, and Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said Hernandez is the Dodgers’ primary center fielder for now:
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