Oscar

Robles

Robles is getting sent down even though Jeff Kent remains sidelined. The Dodgers hope to have Kent back on Wednesday. With Cesar Izturis expected back next month, it might be quite some time before Robles gets another opportunity.

Robles’ homer off Armando Benitez tied the game in the bottom of the ninth and the Dodgers went on to win in the inning. Robles also had an RBI double off Jason Schmidt in the contest. That he’s 0-for-8 in steal attempts is disturbing, but Robles has been a pretty solid player for the Dodgers. They’re not losing much with him at shortstop.

Robles had cooled off dramatically since becoming a regular, but Jim Tracy shows no signs of souring on him. He’s not even giving Antonio Perez the occasional start at shortstop.

The move would save them $200,000, but they’re not going to do it.

Robles singled in Jason Grabowski from third with two outs off reliever Jay Witasick. It was his third multi-hit game in the majors and his first with three or more hits. Thanks to tonight Robles has a .316 batting average and a .371 on-base percentage, but he has just three doubles to go with no triples or homers in 57 at-bats.

Maybe the Dodgers could just play Jose Valentin at third base? Robles had a very nice run, but at this point, he hasn’t proven he should be a regular.

He was also caught stealing. Robles is 21-for-46 in July with three walks and three doubles.

Robles hit a solo blast off Phillies starter Brett Myers in the first inning. Robles has been hot of late, going 27-for-65 in July, but he still has just six extra-base hits during that span. He’ll keep playing while hot, but Robles could be benched for Antonio Perez or Jose Valentin if he starts to struggle.

Robles, who didn’t get a chance to overtake Geoff Blum in a utility role, went 5-for-21 in more than five weeks with the Padres. This makes room for Hiram Bocachica on the roster.

Robles, who had been on the DL with a left wrist injury, will get very little playing time over the final 15 days.