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 Can't Handle New Cardinals

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1, the first meeting between the two teams this season. The game was a pitchers' duel until St. Louis scored four times in the seventh inning to take a commanding lead. Matt Holliday, Julio Lugo and Mark DeRosa, all three being mid-season trade acquisitions, combined for three runs scored and three RBI's for the Cards, with DeRosa homering. Brandon Ryan had four hits and two runs-batted-in, and Rick Ankiel scored twice. Rafael Furcal had three hits and drove in the only Dodger run, and Matt Kemp scored the only run.

Hong-Chih Kuo was activated from the 60-day disabled list, and pitched a scoreless inning of relief. Xavier Paul was transferred from the 15-day DL to the 60-day to make room on the 40-man roster.

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.

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.

Kuo Hits DL with Elbow Problem

Hong-Chih Kuo was placed on the 15-day disabled list with an elbow injury. Kuo has been shaky this year as the eighth-inning set-up man, posting an ERA of 6.75 in less than six innings of work. Kuo has had four operations on the same elbow, including two Tommy John surgeries. He was handled very delicately last season, with the staff careful not to use him on back-t0-back days or have him pitch long outings. According to Jon Weisman of the LA Times, the Dodgers called up Brent Leach to replace Kuo. The left-handed Leach has struck out 17, walked 8, and given up 12 hits in his time with Double-A Chattanooga, though he has only allowed one run.

Ausmus Saves Kuo's Bacon in Dodger Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 6-5, their 11th win of the season. The Dodgers hung two runs in the first inning, but could not score with the bases loaded and nobody out. Colorado slowly climbed back, and the score was tied going into the eighth inning. The Dodgers put two more runs on the board, but Hong-Chih Kuo gave up a two-run pinch-hit homer to Clint Barmes that tied the game. James Loney led off the ninth inning with a double, and with two outs, Brad Ausmus singled to send Loney home. Kuo ended up with both a blown save and a win. Ausmus finished the game with a double and a run scored in addition to the RBI-single. Andre Ethier had a double and two RBI's, Manny Ramirez knocked in a run, and Orlando Hudson scored twice. Chris Iannetta scored twice for the Rox, and Todd Helton knocked in a run. Jonathan Broxton pitched his second night in a row, but clamped down to get his sixth save.

Dodgers' Win is Just a Walk in the Park

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Francisco Giants 5-4, their fourth straight win. The Dodgers won in the bottom of the ninth after James Loney walked with the bases loaded. The Dodgers initially led 2-1 going into the eighth, but Hong-Chih Kuo put two batters on base, and Ronald Belisario gave up a three-run bomb to Aaron Rowand. The Dodgers scored twice in the eighth to tie the game, then the walk in the ninth secured the victory. Jonathan Broxton had a perfect inning to get the win, and Clayton Kershaw pitched a gem, allowing one hit, one run, one walk, and racked up 13 K's. Orlando Hudson had three hits and a run, Casey Blake hit a home run, and Matt Kemp had a double and an RBI-single. Loney knocked in three runs, all without a hit, walking twice with the bases loaded and hitting a sacrifice fly. Bengie Molina hit a solo homer for the Giants, but the black-and-orange collected only four hits.

Dodgers News: Bench Mob, Ardoin is Cut, and Goodbye Arizona

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Francisco Giants 10-8, their last game in Arizona. Bench favorite Doug Mientkiewicz hit a two-run bomb, and Juan Castro had a double and homer. Juan Pierre had three hits, including a double, and Jason Repko knocked in two and scored a run. Hiroki Kuroda had his last tune-up before the season begins, allowing just one run in three innings. Hong-Chih Kuo pitched a perfect inning, and Eric Milton gave up eight runs in less than three innings, including two homers.

The Dodgers designated Danny Ardoin for assignment. Ardoin spent most of last season as Russell Martin's backup after Gary Bennet hit the DL. He has ten days to either accept his assignment in Triple-A or become a minor-league free agent.

This was the Dodgers' last game in Arizona. They will play three exhibition games at Dodger Stadium, one against the Angels and two against Milwaukee, then go to San Francisco to play a game against the Giants.

The Dodgers sent Eric Milton to Triple-A, and notified Tanyon Sturtze that he is on the bubble. Milton came into Spring Training as a candidate for the fifth-starter spot, but a 10.07 ER knocked him out of the race. Sturtze is still a possibility of joining the bullpen, but if he doesn't he will be sent to the minors as well.

Dodgers News: Schmidt Toils, Ohman Tries Out, and Billingsley Nears Return

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the San Diego Padres 7-3, their 17th loss of the spring. Matt Kemp hit a two-run home run and singled twice, providing most of the Dodger offense. Manny Ramirez had a double and a walk, and Russell Martin singled and scored a run. Jason Schmidt pitched a solid first inning, then the wheels fell off as he gave up three runs without getting past the fourth. Hong-Chih Kuo became a victim of the wind, giving up a run in one inning. Corey Wade had a perfect inning, and Josh Lindblom increased his bid for the opening-day roster, pitching two hitless innings. Ramon Troncoso pitched a perfect ninth.

The Dodgers gave LHP Will Ohman a try-out today. Ohman pitched in a simulated minor-league game. The Dodgers are searching for a left-handed pitcher to put in the bullpen, and Ohman is searching for a job. Erik Threets and Brian Mazone, both with the team, are the current candidates to fill the void left by Joe Beimal.

Chad Billingsley is ready to make his scheduled regular-season start as he rehabs a strained right-groin. Billingsley pitched in a simulated game and experienced no problems. Billingsley will pitch Friday in an exhibition against Milwaukee at Dodger Stadium.

Mark Loretta continues to recover from his own right-groin strain. Loretta is optimistic that he can enter a game by Wednesday or Thursday, possibly in a minor-league game.

Claudio Vargas is recovering his sore right-elbow. The soreness is caused by inflammation as he has learned, and there is no ligament damage. Vargas can begin throwing by next week.

Dodgers News: Manny Being Manny, Schmidt Gets Work, and J-Bro Has Bad Return

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Seattle Mariners 8-6, their 13th loss of the spring. Clayton Kershaw pitched five-and-a-third innings, giving up only two runs and three hits while striking out six. Hong-Chih Kuo pitched a scoreless inning. Manny Ramirez had his first home run of Spring Training, and Casey Blake and Brad Ausmus also hit solo shots. Doug Mientkiewicz had a two-run double, and Andre Ethier and Orlando Hudson both hit doubles.

Jason Schmidt and Shawn Estes both pitched in a minor-league game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Schmidt threw three innings and gave up two runs. Estes relieved and allowed two unearned runs in one inning.

Jonathan Broxton returned to camp after spending the last few weeks with Team USA of the WBC. Broxton gave up four runs in less than an inning of work, getting the blown save and the loss.

Since the Brewers will not use the DH rule in tomorrow's game, Manny Ramirez is expected to start in the outfield.

Dodgers News: Hungry Like a Wolf, Estes is Upset, and Manny Might Be Ready

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Texas Rangers 11-4, their 12th win of the spring. Randy Wolf pitched six scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and striking out six. Wolf also had a two-run double and scored a run. Jason Repko had a three-run home run, and Matt Kemp hit a solo blast. Rafael Furcal had a double and two RBI's, and Juan Pierre scored two runs and stole two bases. Guillermo Mota pitched a perfect inning, but Hong-Chih Kuo and Corey Wade struggled; Kuo giving up one run in one inning and Wade surrendering two doubles and a home run.

Shawn Estes is very frustrated with his release. He believes that he still is capable of pitching in the majors, and was somewhat annoyed that Ned Colletti was not present at the meeting that decided his fate. Estes has also shown reluctance at the idea of pitching in Albuquerque for the Dodgers' Triple-A minor-league affiliate, in part because of a crowed rotation and also because of the altitude.

The Dodgers sent five players to minor-league camp after the game. Nick DeBarr, Stephen Randolph, Hector Luna, Valentino Pascucci, and Mitch Jones all were reassigned. Charlie Haegar was reassigned earlier in the day as well.

Manny Ramirez is close to returning to the lineup. He could return as early as tomorrow against the Angels in the DH position. Ramirez has sat out all week with a tight hamstring, taking batting practice but limiting fielding exercises. He is now participating in all practices. There has been no word as to what will become of Manny over the next week as the Dodgers play against NL teams without the DH rules.

Dodgers News: Manny Scratched, Two Sent to Minors, and Pedro Gets Interest

Manny Ramirez was unable to start for the Los Angeles Dodgers in today's exhibition against Team Korea. He complained of a tight hamstring, but believed he could still start. Manager Joe Torre did not let him though, and kept him on the bench. Manny could be ready by tomorrow.

The Dodgers defeated Team Korea of the WBC 4-2 in an exhibition. Chin-lung Hu hit a two-run single in the eighth to win the game for LA. Orlando Hudson had two hits, and Blake DeWitt and James Loney each had a double. Randy Wolf pitched 3-and-one-third scoreless innings with two hits, two walks, and four strikeouts. Shawn Estes only gave up a hit in two innings of work, and Hong-Chih Kuo made his spring debut, giving up a hit and striking out one in two-thirds of an inning.

The Dodgers sent pitchers Scott Strickland and Travis Chick down to the minors. The move cuts the number of pitchers in camp to 28.

Russell Martin returned to the Dodgers, scoring a run. Martin caught for Team Canada in the WBC and had a home run against Team USA. Canada was eliminated in two games.

The Dodgers are curious about signing Pedro Martinez, but that's all. Pedro pitched six scoreless innings for the eliminated Dominican Republic WBC team, but his glory years are behind him. Martinez came up in the Dodgers organization, but was traded when management believed he could not be an effective starter. He has won three Cy Young awards and has 3,117 career strikeouts with Montreal, Boston, and the New York Mets.

Dodgers News: LA Makes Up for Schmidt, Kuo Gets a "B", and Korea Comes to Town

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Texas Rangers 14-7. Juan Castro beefed up his utility-man resume with a solo homer, and Hector Luna had a 2-run home run. Xavier Paul had 3 runs, 3 hits, and 2 RBI's, and Blake DeWitt scored a run, got two hits, and knocked in two. Both James Loney and Matt Kemp had one hit, one run, and one RBI. Jason Schmidt gave up three runs in two innings in his first start with LA since 2007, but got the win after the Dodgers scored 10 runs in the first three innings. Eric Milton threw three scoreless innings after Claudio Vargas surrendered four runs.

Schmidt, in his first start since 2007, allowed three runs, two walks, and two hits, including a home run. He struck out two.

Hong-Chih Kuo made his spring debut in a B-game against the Chicago White Sox, pitching a scoreless inning. Kuo could pitch in a real game as early as Thursday.

Andruw Jones launched a home run off Claudio Vargas, his first homer of the spring. Jones played with the Dodgers last season, signing the highest salary contract in franchise history. However, Jones was a flop, with 14 RBI's and 3 home runs. The Dodgers reworked his contract so they could release him, and Jones signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers. He hopes to make the club in April.

Team Korea defeated Team Japan in their pool finale to determine the two teams' seeding in the next round for the World Baseball Classic. Korea will play the Dodgers this Thursday in an exhibition.

Dodgers News: Late-Game Collapse, Schmidt is Close to Debut, and Blake Returns

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Seattle Mariners 8-7, their fifth loss of the season. The Dodgers had a 7-2 lead going into the eighth inning, but surrendered 6 runs in the 8th and 9th that lost the game. Juan Pierre had two hits, two runs, and two RBI's, and Casey Blake had two hits to go with an RBI. Both Xavier Paul and Orlando Hudson had a hit, scored a run, and knocked in a run, with Paul getting a triple. A.J. Ellis caught two runners stealing in addition to getting a hit and RBI. Chad Billingsley threw three scoreless innings, and Shawn Estes gave up a run in two innings.

Orlando Hudson and Rafael Furcal turned their first double-play of the spring. Hudson and Furcal give the Dodgers one of the best middle infields in the league.

Jason Schmidt is close to making his Spring Training debut, and first actual game with the Dodgers since 2007. He can throw in either Monday's or Tuesday's game. Schmidt has pitched in intra-squad games, "B" games, live batting practice, and bullpen sessions.

Hong-Chih Kuo and Corey Wade are recovering from elbow and shoulder injuries, respectively. Kuo has thrown bullpen sessions and is scheduled to pitch in a B-game on Monday. Wade will pitch live batting-practice and can make his exhibition debut by next week.

Casey Blake made his return to the lineup after pulling a hamstring. He was in the DH position, and can return to third-base in a matter of days.