Series Recap: Kuroda Feelin' Fine

The series against Arizona took a gruesome turn when Hiroki Kuroda was struck in the head by a line-drive. Medical analysis shows he will make a full recovery, and could begin pitching very soon this season. His Thursday start is doubtful.

SAT - The injury to Kuroda set the stage for a heart-wrenching 4-3 loss, where Jonathan Broxton gave up back-to-back home runs to Mark Reynolds and Miguel Montero to tie the game. Ramon Troncoso continued to struggle, giving up a hit and two walks before allowing a deep single to center to drive in the winning run.

SUN - The Dodgers managed to salvage their series with the D-Backs with a 9-3 blowout. Randy Wolf cruised through seven innings before hitting trouble in the eighth, and even contributed with the bat, falling a triple short of the cycle. Andre Ethier hit a three-run homer before the first out of the game could be recorded, and Orlando Hudson drove in two runs with his own home run.

Pitching Mish-Mash Spells Dodgers' Doom

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Atlanta Braves 9-5 in 12 innings, evening the series at a game apiece. The Dodgers were cruising along with a 5-2 lead until Chad Billingsley hurt his hamstring running the base-paths. Hong-Chih Kuo was brought in, but without being able to warm up in the bullpen, he gave a large chunk of the lead back after surrendering a two-run homer to Kelly Johnson. LA nursed the lead going into the ninth, and with Jonathan Broxton on the mound, he gave up a single to Garret Anderson that scored Nate McLouth with two out to tie the game. Things were quiet up to the 12th inning, with Scott Elbert coming in to get the final two outs of the frame with two runners on despite being penciled in for the start on Sunday. Yunel Escobar singled to plate Anderson, and Ryan Church stuck the nail in the coffin with a three-run homer. Casey Blake had his own three-run blast, and Russell Martin had three hits and a run scored.

Jason Schmidt was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to pain in his right shoulder. Infielder Tony Abreu was called up to replace him. Abreu hasn't been on the big-league club since the 2007 season.

Dodgers Salvage Series in Extras

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 5-3 in 10 innings, salvaging a victory from this four-game series. The Dodgers had a 3-2 lead going into the seventh, but Rick Ankiel tied it with one swing of the bat. The game entered extra innings, and with two out Matt Kemp singled to drive in two runs, more than enough for the win. Jonathan Broxton pitched a scoreless 10th to get his 24th save, and James McDonald's perfect ninth gave him his third career victory. Casey Blake had four hits, including a double, and scored twice, and Rafael Furcal drove in two runs. Kemp finished with three hits and three RBI's, and Brad Ausmus singled twice and had a run scored. Matt Holliday finished with two runs-batted-in, and Albert Pujols scored a run.

Scott Elbert was called up from Triple-A, and Brent Leach was demoted after he struggled this month.

George Sherrill will join the team tomorrow in Atlanta. A move on the roster will need to be made to make room for him.

Cards Outlast Dodgers into 15

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the St. Louis Cardinals 3-2 in 15 innings, their fourth consecutive loss. The Dodgers were nursing a 1-0 lead going into the bottom of the ninth, but with two outs Jonathan Broxton gave up a game-tying single. The Dodgers took the lead again in the 11th, and again the Cardinals came back to tie it. Jeff Weaver could not hold on, giving up a triple, walk, fielder's choice and single in the 15th to give the Cards the victory. Clayton Kershaw was outstanding, pitching eight shutout innings. Casey Blake scored both Dodger runs, and Matt Kemp and James Loney split the two RBI's. Loney finished with four hits, and Blake had three, including a triple. Albert Pujols had three hits, including the game-winning single, and Ryan Ludwick scored and drove in a run. Mark DeRosa scored the winning run.

Scott Elbert was scratched from his start in Triple-A Albuquerque. While it is possible that Elbert could be part of a trade, Ned Colletti told LA Times's Dylan Hernandez that there is no trade. Elbert could be called up to replace Brent Leach, who has been struggling of late.

Blake Pushes Dodgers to Walk-Off Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Florida Marlins 4-3, evening the series at a game apiece. Florida had a two run lead going into the sixth, but the Dodgers rallied to tie, and in the ninth Casey Blake singled with the bases loaded to drive in the winning run. Rafael Furcal had two hits, including a triple, and scored twice, and Orlando Hudson singled three times and drove in a run. Andre Ethier reached base in all five of his plate appearances, three times by hit and twice by walk. Jonathan Broxton pitched a perfect ninth for his seventh win of the season. Hanley Ramirez scored a run for the Marlins, and Jorge Cantu had a double and an RBI.

Dodgers Make Most of Schmidt's Return

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Cincinnati Reds 7-5 in what was Jason Schmidt's first start with the Dodgers since 2007. Schmidt gave up three runs in the first inning, but that was all as he cruised through the next four to earn only his second win with LA. The Dodgers helped his cause by scoring four runs in the bottom of the first, and never trailed after that. Jonathan Broxton collected his 23rd save of the season. Russell Martin had three hits and scored twice, and Andre Ethier doubled, homered, scored two runs and drove in two runs. Manny Ramirez had a home run, and Casey Blake had a double and two RBI's. Brandon Phillips had three hits for the Reds, as well as a run-batted-in and a run scored.

In order to make room for Schmidt on the 25-man roster, Scott Elbert was optioned to Triple-A. Eric Milton was transfered from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL.

Dodgers Complete Comeback Against 'Stros

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Houston Astros 4-3, splitting the series two games apiece. Houston opened up with a three-run lead after the third inning, but the Dodgers scratched back for two runs before tying the game in the seventh on two errors by pitcher Alberto Arias. In the eighth, Matt Kemp homered with two out to give the Dodgers the lead for good. Jonathan Broxton rebounded from a tough outing yesterday to get his 22nd save. Kemp also doubled and scored all four runs, and Brad Ausmus doubled twice, driving in Kemp both times. Andre Ethier had three hits, and Rafael Furcal had an RBI. Michael Bourn doubled and scored a run for the Astros, and Geoff Blum hit a two-run homer.

Orlando Hudson injured his left wrist after bumping into Astros pitcher Russ Ortiz while running to first. It is the same wrist that Hudson underwent surgery on after he injured it last season. However, the Dodgers are saying the injury was sustained in a different area, and it is not serious. He is listed as day-to-day, and will have X-rays.

In addition to Jason Schmidt, who will make his first start since 2007 tomorrow against the Reds, two other Dodgers are on the verge of returning from the disabled list. Hong-Chih Kuo is making progress in his rehab starts, and Doug Mientkiewicz is ready begin his rehab and could be back in a matter of weeks.

Kershaw's Gem Helps Dodgers Beat Astros

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Houston Astros 5-2, preventing their first three-game losing streak of the season. Clayton Kershaw was dominant, shutting Houston out for seven innings on just two hits and one walk. The bullpen struggled though in the eighth, and Jonathan Broxton loaded the bases in the ninth, but he struck out the side and earned his 21st save of the season. Orlando Hudson had three hits, including a triple, scored twice and drove in a run. Manny Ramirez doubled and Matt Kemp had two RBI's and a run scored. Chris Coste doubled and scored a run for the Astros, and Jason Michaels drove in a run.

Before the game, the Dodgers announced that Jason Schmidt will be activated on Monday, where he will start that day against Cincinnati.

Weaver's Struggles Set Dodgers Back

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Milwaukee Brewers 6-3, evening the series at a game apiece. Jeff Weaver struggled, giving up four runs (two earned) over three-and-a-third innings, and it was a deficit the Dodgers could not escape. Rafael Furcal and Andre Ethier had back-to-back homers, with Furcal hitting a two-run shot, and Matt Kemp scored a run. Prince Fielder had two hits, an RBI and a run scored for the Brewers, and J.J. Hardy drove in two runs.

Jonathan Broxton will not pitch tomorrow or participate in the All Star Game this Tuesday due to a nerve issue in his right-big toe. The toe was a problem for him before in mid-June, and just recently started to affect his pushoff, explaining his recent performances.

Blake DeWitt was demoted to Triple-A for the third time this season. Scott Elbert was called up to replace him. Elbert had two-and-two-thirds shutout innings in the game.

Dodgers Overpower Brewers for Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 12-8 in 10 innings, their first victory of the season against the Brew Crew. The Dodgers had an early lead after Andre Ethier homered in the first, but Chad Billingsley did not have his A-game, yielding two runs in the first before recording three outs. After trading runs in the fourth innings, Manny Ramirez and Russell Martin both slammed jacks to give the Dodgers a two-run cushion. Billingsley once again surrendered two more runs to tie the game. Mat Gamel then homered in the eighth to give Milwaukee a one-run lead. However, the Dodgers got to closer Trevor Hoffman, with Mark Loretta singling home the tying run in the ninth. In the 10th, LA broke the game open, scoring two runs before loading the bases, where Matt Kemp delivered a grand-slam home run to put the game out of reach for Milwaukee. Despite allowing two runs in the bottom of the inning, Jonathan Broxton held on to seal the victory. Kemp finished with a double and single in addition to the grand-slam, and Martin had three hits and scored three runs. James Loney homered, and Casey Blake hit an RBI-triple in the 10th that gave the Dodgers the lead. Gamel finished the game with three RBI's for the Brewers, and J.J. Hardy smashed a homer and drove in three runs. Prince Fielder scored twice, and Mike Cameron had three hits.

Dodgers Salvage Game in Extras

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 7-6 in 13 innings, taking the series 2-1. The Dodgers seemed to be in complete control entering the bottom of the ninth, as Chad Billingsley was cruising to what looked like a complete-game and his 10th win of the season. However, a homer and a double later, he was pulled and Jonathan Broxton was put in with a still comfortable four-run lead. Things took a turn for the worst in Broxton's worst outing of the season though, as he gave up a walk, single, walk, walk, and single to tie the game at six runs apiece. In the 13th inning, James Loney broke the game open with a solo-homer, and Jeff Weaver spun three innings of no-hit ball to get his fourth win. Casey Blake hit a three-run home run, and Andre Ethier had a solo-shot. Billingsley doubled and hit his first career homer. Juan Pierre had four hits, and Rafael Furcal scored twice. Kevin Kouzmanoff and Chase Headley both had solo-homers for the Padres, and Everth Cabrera had the game-tying, two-run single.

Eric Milton was placed on the 15-day disabled list, again because a troubling back. Jeff Weaver, James McDonald, and Claudio Vargas are all capable of filling his spot in the rotation. Blake DeWitt was called up to replace him on the roster.

Dodgers to Send Three to ASG

The rosters for the 2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game were announced today, and three Dodgers will make the journey to St. Louis. Chad Billingsley, Jonathan Broxton and Orlando Hudson were all named to the National League team. Billingsley is having a breakout year, standing among the league-leaders in strikeouts, ERA and wins. Broxton has become one of the most dominant closers in the game, leading all active closers in strikeouts. Hudson had a career-year before falling into a deep slump, at one point leading the NL in hits. Joe Torre will accompany the three to Missouri, where he will be one of Charlie Manuel's bench coaches.

Manny's Return Sparks Offensive Outburst

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 6-3, their first game with Manny Ramirez since he was suspended for violating MLB's drug policy. While Manny went 0-for-3 with a walk, the rest of the lineup seemed to be invigorated by his return, scoring five runs in the first inning. Rafael Furcal collected four hits, including a double, and scored a run, and Russell Martin singled twice and drove in two runs. Andre Ethier scored twice, and Matt Kemp had a two-run double. James Loney had a run scored and RBI. Hiroki Kuroda was shaky but solid enough to get his third win of the year, and Jonathan Broxton's perfect ninth gave him his 20th save. Scott Hairston had a solo-homer for San Diego, and Adrian Gonzalaz doubled to drive in two runs.

Dodgers Scratch Out Win over Rox

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 1-0, taking the series 2-1. Both teams had trouble scoring, collecting only three hits through the first seven innings. However, Brad Ausmus singled to start the eighth, Juan Castro bunted him to second, and with Russell Martin pinch-running, Rafael Furcal hit a pinch-hit single that scored Martin. Clayton Kershaw went five innings, allowing only one hit, and the bullpen held Colorado to nothing for the rest of the game. Jonathan Broxton pitched a perfect ninth for his 19th save of the season. Brad Hawpe had two of the Rockies' three hits, including a double.

This was the last game the Dodgers played without Manny Ramirez. The embroiled slugger will return to the lineup Friday due to tomorrow's off-day.

The victory gave the Dodgers their 50th win, the first team in baseball to reach that mark.

The Dodgers made a few moves during the day. Eric Stults was activated from the 15-day disabled list and optioned to Triple-A so he could play regularly. Catcher A.J. Ellis was sent down to Triple-A as well, and Mitch Jones was designated for assignment. Jones now has 10 days to be traded, claimed by another team, or released. If he clears waivers, he will return to the minors. Claudio Vargas is expected to be activated from the 60-day DL, a move that could force the Dodgers to move Hong-Chih Kuo to that same list from the 15-day DL. Manny Ramirez will be activated from the Restricted List now that his suspension is over.

Kuroda Gets Elusive Second Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago White Sox 5-2, their seventh win in 11 days. The Dodgers jumped to an early lead after Rafael Furcal and Orlando Hudson hit back-to-back doubles. James Loney insured the lead with a two-run homer, his third bomb in four games. That was all LA needed as Hiroki Kuroda pitched a gem to get his second win of the year, allowing only two runs on four hits in 8 and two-thirds innings, striking out nine. Jonathan Broxton was brought in with two outs and the tying run on deck, and struck out Jim Thome to get his 18th save. Hudson scored a run, and Casey Blake had two RBI's. Mitch Jones had two hits, including a double, and scored his first career run. Former Dodger Paul Konerko hit a solo home run, and Jermaine Dye had two hits and a run-batted-in.

Manny Ramirez made his Isotope debut today, playing left field for Triple-A Albuquerque in a rehab start permitted by Major League Baseball. Manny batted lead-off as he struck out and grounded out to the shortstop in his only two at-bats.

Kershaw Deals as Dodgers Take Freeway Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 5-3, taking the series 2-1 and improving their interleague record to 7-5. The Dodgers got on the board first with a run in the fifth, but they looked poised to surrender the lead after the Angels loaded the bases with no one out. But Clayton Kershaw forced Bobby Abreu to ground into a 1-2-3 double play, and escaped the inning unscathed. Kershaw went 7 innings, holding the Halos scoreless on four hits, four walks, and five strikeouts. Jonathan Broxton was shaky, but he got a four-out save to give him his 17th save of the season. James Loney had a two-run jack that was upheld on a review, the first time instant-replay was used on a Dodger homer. Juan Pierre had three hits, two of which were doubles, 2 RBI's and a run scored, and Casey Blake singled twice, knocked in a run and scored a run. Matt Kemp scored twice. Juan Rivera had two hits and drove in a run for the Angels, and Torii Hunter had an RBI-double. Mike Napoli had three hits.

Kobe Bryant was at the game with his father, and while he did not wear gear of either team, he appeared to be rooting for the Dodgers. He expressed amazement after Kershaw induced a bases-loaded double-play, and left with two outs in the ninth.

Dodger Weaver Beats Angel Weaver in Historic Matchup

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 6-4, their sixth win in eight games. The Angels had an early 2-0 lead, but the Dodgers came back after Russell Martin homered for the first time this season. Jeff Weaver faced his younger brother Jered for the first time ever, and the matchup was the first time brothers opposed each other since 2002. The elder Weaver held Anaheim to just two runs over five innings, while LA touched the younger Weaver for all six runs. Orlando Hudson and Casey Blake both had an RBI and a run scored, and Andre Ethier tripled and drove in two runs. Matt Kemp had two hits and scored once, and Martin had two additional hits. Kendry Morales hit a home run for the Angels, and Gary Matthews, Jr. knocked out a two-run bomb in the ninth off Jonathan Broxton, the first homer he has given up all year.

Manny Ramirez agreed to a minor-league rehab stint before his suspension ends. Manny is allowed to play for the Dodgers' farm teams before his return, but the Dodgers can only have him play with the clubs with his consent. Ramirez will most likely play with Triple-A Albuquerque for three games, then go to Single-A Inland Empire for another three-game set.

Dodgers Get Enough to Beat A's

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Oakland Athletics 3-2, taking the interleague series two games to one. Oakland scored first, but Orlando Hudson drove a home run into center-field to tie the game. The Dodgers scored again in the fifth inning, but the A's came back as Rajai Davis took advantage of a fielding blunder; Rafael Furcal directed Juan Pierre to throw to second-base after a single sent Davis to third. Davis saw the throw go to second, and immediately left for home and scored. However, LA took the lead for good in the seventh. Pierre had an RBI-single, and Mark Loretta knocked in the go-ahead run. Casey Blake had two hits and helped start three double-plays. Russell Martin and James Loney both had a hit and scored a run. Ramon Troncoso recorded two outs in the ninth for his fifth save of the season. Randy Wolf allowed only one run in six innings, but did not receive a decision. Kurt Suzuki had an RBI-double for the A's, and Matt Holliday also doubled but did not come around to score.

Jonathan Broxton was unavailable for the game due to a sore big right toe.

The win gave manager Joe Torre his 2,195th career managerial victory, putting him fifth on the all-time list. He passed Sparky Anderson after tying him on Tuesday.

Dodgers Overcome Delay, Irony for Victory

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Texas Rangers 3-1, snapping a two-game losing streak. The game was scoreless through five innings before a power failure that caused a bank of lights to fail became too big of a distraction. The game consequently was delayed for an hour and 40 minutes. As soon as the contest resumed, Juan Pierre scored in the sixth to give the Dodgers an early 1-0 lead. However, former Dodger and local irritant Andruw Jones homered to tie the game. Matt Kemp responded though, hitting a two-run home run in the next frame to give LA the lead for good. The bullpen held down after Randy Wolf pitched five scoreless innings, who had to be lifted due to the delay. Rafael Furcal had an RBI and a double, and Orlando Hudson collected two hits. Casey Blake also doubled. The 4-6 hitters in the Texas lineup all failed to get a hit; both Michael Young and Ian Kinsler singled.

Jonathan Broxton pitched a perfect ninth for his 15th save of the season after returning from Georgia for the birth of his son.

Power Surge Lifts Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 6-4, their 40th win of the season. The Dodgers are the first team to reach the 40-win mark. LA received most of its offense from the home run, as Andre Ethier, Orlando Hudson and Matt Kemp each went deep; Ethier going yard twice. Kemp totaled three base-hits and 2 RBI's, and Rafael Furcal had a hit, run scored, and run-batted-in. Casey Blake scored a run, and Russell Martin had two hits. Chad Billingsley had a shaky five-and-two-thirds innings, giving up three runs on eight hits and two walks with five strikeouts, but still got his eighth win of the season. Jonathan Broxton gave up a run in the ninth, but held on to get his 14th save. Tony Gwynn, Jr. made his Padre-debut, getting three hits and scoring a run. David Eckstein also had three hits and a run scored, and also drove in a run. Kevin Kouzmanoff had a two-run single.