Why did Dodgers’ A.J. Ellis catch 26 innings in two days?

6:36 PM ET

LOS ANGELES — Nearly drowned out Monday night in the buzz that surrounded another epic pitching performance by Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw was the Ironman effort turned in by catcher A.J. Ellis.

The 35-year-old veteran caught nine innings in the 1-0 victory against the visiting Cincinnati Reds, a day after squatting for all 17 innings of a 9-5 win at the San Diego Padres.

Ellis was the first Dodgers catcher since Mike Scioscia in 1984 to catch at least 17 innings and then start behind the plate the next day.

Ellis said he conferred with the Dodgers medical staff after the 5 hour, 47 minute game Sunday and they were leaning toward keeping him out of Monday’s game, but three factors weighed against that decision:

1. Yasmani Grandal, the Dodgers’ primary …

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