After all, they already had an All-Star catcher in Russell Martin.
Ausmus, a 17-year veteran, is embracing this new backup role, even thriving in it. His two-out single in the ninth inning Friday night lifted the Dodgers to a 6-5 win over the Colorado Rockies.
That's all he wanted when he arrived in Los Angeles - a chance to help out.
"It wasn't as if Russell and I were battling for the starting job," said Ausmus, who's hitting .417 this season. "Russell is the guy. I'm here to spell him."
Ausmus was only filling in because Martin struggles against Rockies starter Aaron Cook. He made the most of just his third start this season.
Ausmus lined a pitch past a diving Garrett Atkins at third in the ninth, scoring James Loney, who had led off the inning with a double off Manny Corpas (0-1).
The Dodgers' backup catcher also started a rally in the eighth with a two-out double to deep center. Mark Loretta followed with a flair that dropped into shallow left, scoring Ausmus.
Loretta is another savvy veteran filling a vital role for the Dodgers. He's now 4-for-6 with a walk this season in a pinch-hitting capacity.
"We added a couple of grown-ups," Dodgers manager Joe Torre said, smiling. "Brad helps you in every aspect of the game. Not only the playing of it and the catching of it, but just with the overall personality he brings to our ballclub that makes him a great sign for us. He and Loretta both."
Trailing 5-3, Colorado came back in the eighth off Hong-Chih Kuo. Chris Iannetta lined a one-out single up the middle and Clint Barmes followed with a tying pinch-hit homer to deep left.
Kuo (1-0) earned the win despite the rocky inning in which he surrendered two runs and two hits. Jonathan Broxton worked his way out of trouble in the ninth, striking out Iannetta with two runners on to end the game. It was Broxton's sixth save in as many chances.
Eric Stults had his string of two straight wins interrupted by the no decision. The lefty went five innings, allowing three runs and seven hits. Stults also tied a career-high in walks by issuing five.
Cook rediscovered the dip on his sinker, helping him work his way out of several jams. He lasted six innings, giving up three runs and seven hits. He also tied a career-high with six walks as he remained winless this season.
Phillies 7, Marlins 3
At Miami, Shane Victorino hit a grand slam to highlight a seven-run rally in the ninth inning against Marlins closer Matt Lindstrom.
The Marlins took a three-hitter into the ninth and were two outs from a 3-0 victory when Matt Stairs singled home a run. Lindstrom (1-1) walked in another before Victorino went deep, and five pitches later, Chase Utley hit his fifth homer.
Clay Condrey (3-0) pitched two hitless innings while Ryan Madson worked the ninth.
Mets 4, Nationals 3
At New York, Johan Santana struck out 10 in six innings, and the offensively challenged Mets scored twice following failed sprawling catches that turned singles into triples.
Nick Johnson and Jesus Flores homered for Washington, a major league-worst 3-12.
Santana (3-1) allowed one run and six hits in six innings, while Francisco Rodriguez allowed a two-run homer to Flores before finishing for his fourth save.
Scott Olsen (0-3) gave up three runs and nine hits in six innings.
