Jerry

Sands

The Dodgers had an offensive explosion at the expense of the Buccos, pounding out 15 runs on 23 hits. James Loney (five hits), Juan Rivera (four RBI) and Matt Kemp (three hits, home run) also had big days. As for Sands, he’s currently riding a modest seven-game hitting streak and has piled up seven hits over his last two games.

Sands has drawn five walks but has struck out eight times. The promising 24-year-old was expected to have a part-time role in the Dodgers’ outfield to open the 2012 season, but he will likely be sent down to Triple-A Albuquerque in two weeks if the cold streak continues.

Sands failed to impress this spring, batting just .158/.256/.184 in 17 Cactus League games. The 24-year-old has a future in the Dodgers’ outfield, but it’ll take a few injuries for him to secure an everyday role this year. He will kick off the 2012 campaign at Triple-A Albuquerque.

Sands has hit just .174/.208/.261 in nine games this season in the major leagues. The 24-year-old should be given another shot when rosters expand in September.

He’s likely just getting the day off. Jerry Sands will start in his place in right field Monday.

He’ll replace Tony Gwynn Jr. on the active roster. Sands, 24, posted a .931 OPS in 418 plate appearances for the Isotopes last year and is currently rocking a .286/.367/.518 slash line for the same team over 95 games in 2012. He’s proven to have mastered minor league pitching and the Dodgers will now give him an extended look in the bigs. Sands figures to get most of his at-bats against left-handed pitchers, possibly in place of James Loney at first base, which limits his fantasy value.

He’ll replace the injured Matt Kemp (hamstring) on the active roster. Sands, 24, was hitting .257/.348/.485 with seven homers, 28 RBI and an .833 OPS in 161 plate appearances with the Isotopes last year. He figures to get most of his at-bats against left-handed pitchers, possibly in place of James Loney at first base, which limits his fantasy value.

He’ll take a seat against the left-hander Clayton Richard. The newly-recalled Jerry Sands will start in his place at first base and bat fifth.

Sands gets the boot to clear a 25-man roster spot for Matt Kemp. He was 4-for-20 in eight big league games.

Sands will join up with the Red Sox once the regular season is over. The 24-year-old outfielder has posted some gaudy power numbers in the Dodgers’ system and should be eventually be an everyday contributor in Boston.