AJ Ellis Injury: Updates on Dodgers Catcher's Knee and Return

Updates from Saturday, May 10

Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register provides an update on AJ Ellis' recovery:

Updates from Monday, April 28

Steve Dilbeck of the Los Angeles Times provides a statement from A.J. Ellis discussing his injury status:

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Ellis had a cleanup procedure on the knee April 8 and was expected to be out four to six weeks. He appears ahead of schedule and is already doing all baseball activities. Running is his final obstacle.

“I think we all feel pretty confident that’s the last step and once we get through a pain-free, comfortable zone running, a rehab assignment should follow quickly,” Ellis said.

Ellis started running lightly again over the weekend, and the knee let him know it’s not fully healed.

“There’s still a little bit of irritation there running only,” he said. “Baseball stuff feels great -- hitting, throwing, catching. Keep getting treatment and hopefully get this irritation, inflammation cleaned out.”

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Updates from Sunday, April 20

Ken Gurnick of Dodgers.com confirms A.J. Ellis is participating in catch with Clayton Kershaw today:

Ellis talked about his participation in Kershaw's simulated game and his progress (via Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times and Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register):

Updates from Tuesday, April 8

The Dodgers released a statement on AJ Ellis' injury and recovery:

The team also confirmed who was taking his place on the 25-man roster:

Original Text

The injury bug has found its way into the Dodgers locker room, and catcher A.J. Ellis is the latest victim.

Ellis played just seven games in the 2014 season before going down with a meniscus tear in his left knee. The team announced he'll have arthroscopic surgery:

Because he needs surgery, Ellis could be out for a while, per Pedro Moura of the Orange County Register:

The pickings are pretty slim for the Dodgers in terms of possible replacements.

Drew Butera got the start for L.A. on Sunday night against the San Francisco Giants, going hitless in three at bats. The 30-year-old is a career .180 hitter.

Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times hypothesized that Tim Federowicz could be called up to back up Butera:

Federowicz appeared in 56 games for Los Angeles last year, hitting .227 with four home runs and 16 RBI.