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LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers promoted Cuban left-handed reliever Onelki Garcia to the Major Leagues on Wednesday to help ease the workload of fellow lefties Paco Rodriguez and J.P. Howell over the final weeks of the season.
Garcia made his debut in the ninth inning of Wednesday's 4-1 loss to the D-backs, but was pulled after walking the only batter he faced on four pitches.
Rodriguez has made 70 appearances in his first full season in the Majors, tied for the most on the Dodgers and fourth in the National League. Howell has pitched 55 1/3 innings, his heartiest workload in four years, over 59 appearances.
"Onelki will hopefully be able to take a little pressure off those guys as far as usage, and it gives him a little experience," said Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. "We felt like it's a good time to protect Paco and J.P. At the same time, it gives him a little taste of what's going on here. Hopefully it's something positive for him moving forward."
Garcia, the organization's No. 8 prospect according to MLB.com, had been working out at the Dodgers' Spring Training facility at Camelback Ranch-Glendale, throwing bullpen sessions and live batting practice. Dodgers vice president of player development De Jon Watson called Garcia Tuesday night to inform him of the promotion
