The Dodgers added a chemistry test to the equation Thursday, trading beloved backup catcher A.J. Ellis to the Phillies in order to improve the team's fortunes against left-handed pitching.

The Dodgers landed right-handed hitting catcher Carlos Ruiz in the transaction, as well as cash considerations, while minor league pitcher Tommy Bergjans and a player to be named later also went to the Phillies along with Ellis.

Carlos Ruiz and Ryan Howard have both cleared revocable waivers and can now be traded without restriction.

Only one week remains for players to be dealt while remaining eligible for the postseason rosters of their new clubs.

Major League Baseball has cleared Ryan Howard and Ryan Zimmerman of any wrongdoing in its investigation of an Al-Jazeera report on performance-enhancing drugs, saying that neither player violated the sport's drug program.

It was announced Friday that MLB had completed its investigation, which "did not find any violations of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program by either Howard or Zimmerman."

Al-Jazeera reported in a December documentary that Howard and Zimmerman, along with several other professional athletes, allegedly received shipments of performance-enhancing drugs.

The Philadelphia Phillies plan to play Aaron Altherr in center field soon.

The plans have many wondering if the Phillies plan to dangle Odubel Herrera in trade talks this winter.

"I like Altherr in center field," Pete Mackanin said. "He glides to the ball. It's fun watching him play. [There's] a good chance he'll be the centerfielder and we'll move Odubel (to a corner outfield spot), but we're not doing anything right now. The thought crossed my mind to make that switch this year -- maybe in September, just to get Odubel familiarized with a corner."

The Philadelphia Phillies turned the first-ever triple-play at Petco Park on Sunday afternoon.

With runners on first and second, Jabari Blash of the San Diego Padres hit a ground ball to third. Maikel Franco started the around the horn 5-4-3 triple play going to Cesar Hernandez, who threw to Tommy Joseph.

The Padres opened Petco Park in 2004.

The triple-play is the first turned by the Phillies since Eric Bruntlett turned an unassisted triple play in August 2009.

The Philadelphia Phillies will promote Jake Thompson and he'll make his first Major League start on Saturday.

The move is somewhat tied to Philadelphia placing Aaron Nola on the disabled list.

Over his 129 2/3 innings on the year in his first attempt at Triple-A, Thompson carries a 2.50 ERA with 6.0 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9.