Dodgers will send Schmidt to the DL
Joe Torre has finally conceded that Jason Schmidt will open the season on the disabled list. "I don't think it's any secret Schmidt not going to be ready for opening day," he said, adding that the right-hander would need to go on a rehabilitation assignment. Schmidt made 70 throws yesterday but it was off flat ground and he hasn't returned to the mound since this latest bit of fatigue. Esteban Loaiza should be considered the favorite to take the fifth spot. Hong-Chih Kuo will pitch tomorrow, and Jason Johnson and Chan Ho Park have performed well. The wild card could be Clayton Kershaw, who will get a start. Torre said in the past only an injury would necessitate Kershaw getting the call-up, but that was before Kershaw impressed in his debut in a big league uniform.
Comments
Thanks for this update, unsurprising though it is it's good to know. Any reason why McDonald isn't in the mix here? We all love Kershaw and he's got electric stuff, but it'd be hard to argue against giving him more seasoning. Not sure why if he's getting a shot, McDonald isn't getting a look there, too. Or is he?
Posted by: Craig P | March 7, 2008 1:41 PM
I would like to think that one inning in a spring training would not alter the long-term planning for Kershaw's career.
Posted by: El Lay Dave | March 7, 2008 1:50 PM