MLB.com: Nakamura called up

PHOENIX -- Japanese third baseman Norihiro Nakamura's dream came true early Sunday morning when Triple-A Las Vegas manager Jerry Royster knocked on his door with news he was going to the Major Leagues.

"I was still sleeping and I thought it was a dream," said Nakamura. "I got in the shower and that woke me up and I realized it was reality."

Nakamura's contract was purchased so he could replace utility infielder Antonio Perez on the roster, who strained a hamstring Friday night and it worsened during Saturday night's game. Perez said he believed the injury would only require one week to heal, but the Dodgers already are playing with a five-man bench and can ill afford to have one of the five limited.