MIAMI, Fla. --Former Austin Peay State University catcher A.J. Ellis is back in the big leagues.

Literally the last player cut by the Los Angeles Dodgers this spring, Ellis was recalled Saturday when reserve catcher Brad Ausmus was put on the disabled list with a pinched nerve in his back. It is the first time in Ausmus 17-season career he has spent time time on the disabled list.

Ellis caught the majority of spring training games, hitting .273, when starter Russell Martin was out with injury. In fact, it was expected that Martin would open the season on the disabled list with a strained right groin. However, Martin healed quicker than anticipated and Ellis was sent to Class AAA Albuquerque to open the season. Less than a week into the season, Ellis is back in the big leagues.   

The former Governors standout--a four-time All-Ohio Valley Conference selection--made his major league debut with the Dodgers in September 2008. He was called up multiple times a year ago and spent the entire month of September with the Dodgers, the defending NL West champions.

-AP-