Hanley Ramirez Will Rejoin Dodgers Tuesday Amidst Puig Mania

Ted Lilly (0-2, 4.26) vs. Clayton Richard (1-5, 7.86)

Dodgers Lineup:

Yasiel Puig‘s epic game ending assist was the throw heard ’round the world. Going 2-for-4 with two singles and an impressive outfield assist, Puig created his own fireworks at Dodger Stadium on Monday night in the Dodgers 2-1 victory over San Diego. After a deflating road trip, the Dodgers were in much need of a spark to begin a 10-game homestand. With hamstring injuries sustained by Matt Kemp and Carl Crawford, the time had come to promote elite prospect Yasiel Puig. It was a night to remember, indeed. Puig was the first Dodger with a multi-game hit in his MLB debut since Russell Martin went 2-for-4 versus Milwaukee on May 5, 2006.

Ted Lilly is still looking for his first win of the season. Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen Fife‘s solid start and first career win was a bit overshadowed by Puig’s historical debut, but the right-hander pitched very well in the spot start as a fill-in for the injured Chris Capuano. Scott Van Slyke also homered again, and his rejuvenation this season cannot be overlooked either. Adrian Gonzalez continues to be the Dodgers main slugger, and the big first baseman also hit a solo shot for the other Dodger run.

The Dodgers are still in last place, but an evening filled with homeruns, an exciting debut from a big hitting prospect, and a solid pitching night finally gave Dodger fans a bit of a reprieve. Ted Lilly will be on the mound on Tuesday for game two, and the veteran, crafty left-hander is still looking for his first win on the season. Lilly, whose rustiness has landed him on the disabled list twice so far this season, lost last time out against the Angels after allowing 3 runs on 5 hits over 5 2/3 innings of work. Lilly seems to be healthy. For now. In his career against the Padres, Lilly has been successful and has a 11-4 record with a 2.51 ERA against the Friars.

The Pads will counter with a left of their own as Clayton Richard takes the hill. Richard just barely

Clayton Richard picks up a win in a relief appearance. Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

won his first win of the season last Friday after pitching two innings of relief. We saw Richard back on April 9th in San Diego where he allowed 2 runs on 8 hits against the Dodgers over 5 innings of work in the no-decision. The struggling southpaw has a 6-3 record with a 3.19 ERA against the Dodgers over the course of his career. While Andre Ethier has always struggled against him, Juan Uribe has fared well and is hitting .385 with 2 homeruns against Clayton.

Carlos Quentin was unable to play in Monday night’s game due to a sore shoulder, but he is expected to be okay for game two. The Dodgers are still looking for retribution for the Zack Greinke incident that ended with the pitcher’s collarbone broken.

Tuesday also marks the return of Hanley Ramirez to the club after landing on the D.L. twice this season. Hanley has only played four games with the Dodgers this season, and the lineup has sorely missed his bat.

Scott Elbert’s elbow acts up again putting his career in limbo. Photo: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

On a sad note, Scott Elbert‘s rehab was shut down after his elbow flared up again after pitching in consecutive appearances with the Chattanooga Lookouts. Elbert will see the team doctor to determine where he goes from here. Elbert hasn’t pitched in the Majors since last August and has undergone two subsequent elbow operations. Elbert, one of the longest-tenured Dodgers, was to be a useful lefty out of the bullpen for the Dodgers this season.

The 7:10 p.m. game will be broadcast on KCAL. Check out our recap following the game in case you missed any of the action. Go Blue!