Shawn Tolleson Gets The Call; Javy Guerra Lands on DL

The Dodgers made a flurry of roster moves today, and one came seemingly out of nowhere. The Dodgers have placed reliever Javy Guerra on the 15-day DL with right knee inflammation. In a corresponding move, they have also called up 2011 Dodger organization Branch Rickey Pitcher of the Year Shawn Tolleson from AAA-Albuquerque.To make room for the right-hander on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers have transferred Matt Guerrier to the 60-day disabled list. Guerrier has been dealing with elbow tendinitis, and his rehab has been slow-going. He is expected to return around the All-Star Break. Javy Guerra was 2-3 with 8 saves and a 3.38 ERA in 27 relief appearances this season for the Dodgers. After starting the season solidly, Guerra was demoted as the Dodgers’ closer and has been inconsistent after being hit in the face with a line drive.

Shawn Tolleson looks to make his MLB debut with the Dodgers and joins his childhood friend Clayton Kershaw. They grew up together near Dallas, Texas. It is reported that Tolleson’s locker will be near tonight’s starter and friend Kersh. The 24-year old has a record of 0-1 with an ERA of 2.82 in 19 combined appearances this season with AA-Chattanooga and AAA-Albuquerque. Tolleson has 178 strikeouts in his 120 innings of work during his three professional seasons. In 2011, Shawn had a record of 7-2 with 25 saves and a 1.17 ERA in his 57 relief appearances with the Single-A Great Lakes Loons, Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, and AA-Chattanooga Lookouts. Tolleson has steadily climbed the ranks of the Dodger farm system.

The 2012 First-Year Player Draft begins today, and fittingly we may see Tolleson make his debut who was selected in the 30th round of the 2010 draft out of Baylor University.