The recent groin injury that will sideline Russell Martin for at least a month will give the Dodgers a chance to test their depth at the catching position.

The biggest benefactor of Martin's injury will be career minor-leaguer A.J. Ellis, who has just 13 big-league at-bats to his credit. Ellis, 28, has been in the Dodgers organization since being drafted in the 18th round in 2003.

Ellis was being projected as Martin's backup before the Dodgers re-signed veteran Brad Ausmus late in the offseason. While not objecting to the Dodgers' idea of giving Ellis a bulk of the catching duties, Ausmus said that despite turning 41 on April 14, he could handle the extra work if necessary.

The Dodgers will also get a chance to take a closer look at highly regarded prospect Lucas...

Ubaldo Jimenez showed little rust Tuesday with three scoreless innings to help the Colorado Rockies to a 12-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jimenez, the Rockies' projected opening day starter, made his first start of the spring look easy by giving up one hit with two strikeouts -- but he did walk three batters.

Willie Davis, a speedy center fielder who collected two World Series rings, three Gold Gloves and was a two-time All-Star during his 14 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has died. He was 69. "He was beloved by generations of Dodger fans and remains one of the most talented players ever to wear the Dodger uniform.

Russell Martin's replacement as Los Angeles catcher is a little-known guy named A.J. Ellis, an 18th-round draft pick out of Austin Peay. The defending NL West champion Dodgers are depending on him behind the plate -- big time. Ellis worked six innings in Los Angeles' 3-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants on Monday in his first start since Martin was sidelined by a pulled groin that likely...