To the surprise of no one, struggling Dodgers right-hander Chris Hatcher has been replaced on the Dodgers 25-man roster by utility infielder Charlie Culberson. What is a surprise is that Hatcher was placed on the 15-day disabled list for a reported strained left oblique instead of being designated for assignment to open up a spot on the Dodgers 40-man roster.

Hatcher was brought into Tuesday night’s game in the eighth inning with the Dodgers enjoying a comfortable 7-1 lead over the NL East-leading Washington Nations. He promptly gave up a leadoff walk followed by a single followed by a wild pitch followed by a triple – of which all three scored – and before you knew it, the 31-year-old Kinston, North Carolina native was out of the now 7-4 game without having recorded an out. Fortunately, left-hander Adam Liberatore and right-hander Kenley Jansen were able to shut down the National’s threat and the Dodgers went on to win by an eventual score of 8-4. The obvious problem, of course, is that Liberatore and Jansen were used in a game in which they should not have been needed in.

Although Hatcher has had his occasional great moments this season, he has also struggled miserably at times – including Tuesday night. (Photo credit – Jon SooHoo)

On the season Hatcher is 5-4 but owns a less-than-stellar 5.53 ERA – worst among all Dodgers relievers except Luis Avilan, who was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Tuesday’s game. Avilan currently has a 9.00 ERA but has appeared in only six games with a total of only 3.0 innings pitched.

The 27-year-old Culberson began the season on the Dodgers Opening Day roster and appeared in 15 games with the big club before being optioned to OKC on May 18 after going 7 for 27 (.259) with two doubles and four RBIs. In his 46 games with the OKC Dodgers since, the Rome, Geogia native hit .289 with 13 doubles, one triple, two home runs and 19 RBIs.

After a smoking hot spring training, Culberson cooled off once the regular season started, resulting in him being optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on May 18. (Photo credit – Jason O. Watson)

Hatcher becomes the 22nd Dodger player to land on the disabled list (thus far) this season and is out of options.