Milton Figures to Miss Season

Eric Milton will most likely be finished for the rest of the season after suffering a herniated disk. He underwent surgery today to remove the problematic disk, and figures to be transferred to the 60-day disabled list. The Dodgers signed Milton during the off-season to be one of the candidates for the fifth-starter role, but a terrible Spring Training forced him to start the season in Triple-A Albuquerque. when James McDonald could not fulfill the role though, Milton was called up to replace him in the rotation. There is no word as to who will be the full-time fifth starter once the All Star break ends.

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.

Felix Stymies Dodgers in Loss

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Seattle Mariners 5-1, evening the series at one game apiece. Seattle jumped ahead early, scoring a run in the second and three runs in the third off Eric Milton. Meanwhile, Felix Hernandez thouroughly frustrated the Dodgers, holding them to just four hits, all singles, over eight innings with the only run scoring on an error by Ichiro Suzuki. Rafael Furcal had two of the four hits and scored the only run. James Loney had a ninth-inning double, and Orlando Hudson and Matt Kemp both singled. Suzuki had three hits and scored, and Ken Griffey, Jr. smashed a two-run homer, the 620th one of his career. Russell Branyan tripled and homered for the M's, and Jose Lopez singled twice and scored a run.

Manny Ramirez homered in his first at-bat for Single-A Inland Empire. He finished the day going 2-for-2 with a walk and two runs scored.

Ethier's Power Surge Lifts Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Seattle Mariners 8-2, snapping a two-game losing streak. Andre Ethier went deep three different times, and collected 6 RBI's from his power-surge. Casey Blake had his own solo-homer and scored twice, and Matt Kemp had three hits, including a triple. Clayton Kershaw helped his own cause as he had an RBI-single; Kershaw held the M's to just two runs over six innings while striking out eight to get the win. Ichiro Suzuki had two hits and two runs scored for Seattle, and Jose Lopez drove in Ichiro both times.

Pau Gasol threw out the first pitch of the game. Gasol was greeted to a standing ovation, and was just the latest Laker to attend a Dodger game after Kobe Bryant appeared in Anaheim when the Boys in Blue battled the Angels.

The night's fireworks display used music from pop-icon Michael Jackson. He passed away on Thursday at the age of 50.

The Dodgers signed Aaron Miller, their top draft-pick.

Eric Milton will be activated in order to start tomorrow's game. Corey Wade will be demoted to Triple-A to make room on the roster.

Manny Ramirez will begin a rehab stint with Single-A Inland Empire tomorrow.

Phils Batter Dodgers for Split

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Philadelphia Phillies 7-2, ending the 4-game series in a split. The Dodgers did not get any help from Randy Wolf, who gave up six runs in less than seven innings of work. The Phillies used LA pitching for batting-practice, as Shane Victorino, Ryan Howard, and Carlos Ruiz each had a homer for Philadelphia. Juan Pierre had two hits, including a double, and Matt Kemp had an RBI. Casey Blake doubled and scored a run, and Ethier crossed home-plate as well.

Eric Milton was placed on the 15-day disabled list for tightness in his back. The Dodgers recalled Blake DeWitt to take his place on the roster. Milton was 2-0 with a 2.89 ERA. A fifth starter will not be needed due to three off-days until June 20 against the Angels. However, by that time Eric Stults is expected to be ready to come off the disabled list. The extra bench-player will help as the Dodgers enter interleague play, and travel to Texas and Chicago to play the Rangers and the White Sox with the designated-hitter rule.

Dodgers Bludgeon Cubs for Split

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs 8-2, splitting the four-game series to two games apiece. The Dodgers had five consecutive singles to start the first inning, en route to hanging five runs by the time the third out was recorded. Matt Kemp homered in the third, and the Dodgers never looked back. Eric Milton had his second win in as many starts, allowing only two runs in five-and-one-third innings of work, and the bullpen shut down Chicago for the rest of the night. The 1-7 hitters in the LA lineup each had a hit and either an RBI or a run scored. Mark Loretta and James Loney both doubled and drove in two runs, Russell Martin reached base four times and scored twice, and Rafael Furcal had two hits and scored a run. Reed Johnson had three hits for the Cubs, including a two-run double that provided all of Chicago's offense.

Eric Stults was placed on the 15-day disabled list for his sore left thumb. He sprained the thumb in a start, and had to skip his turn in the rotation to recover. He then returned against Colorado and Chicago, giving up eight runs, nine hits, and seven walks in 7.1 innings combined. Travis Schlichting was called up from Double-A to take his place, though the replacement will most likely be short-lived. Hiroki Kuroda is expected to be activated from the disabled list to start tomorrow's game against Arizona. It will be Kuroda's first start since his opening-day debut where he went 5-and-two-thirds innings, allowing only one run on four hits.

Dodgers Continue Onslaught

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 7-1, their seventh win in nine games. The Dodgers jumped on the board early, scoring a run in the first inning, and never looked back. Eric Milton was able to go five innings and received his first win in two years. Juan Pierre had three hits, including a triple, scored twice and knocked in two runs, and Casey Blake had a 3-run double. Brad Ausmus singled twice and scored two runs, and Orlando Hudson reached base four times, twice by a hit, and knocked in and scored a run. Juan Castro enjoyed his third straight start by getting two hits and a walk and scoring a run. Not one Rocky had more than one base-hit, while Clint Barmes hit a homer for Colorado's only run.

Blake Powers Dodgers to Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Mets 5-3, their third win in a row. Chad Billingsley struggled, giving up three runs on four hits and five walks, but got his sixth win of the season after Casey Blake hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning. Juan Pierre scored a run in the first inning, and Orlando Hudson drove in a run before leaving the game with a bruised shoulder. Matt Kemp and James Loney each had a hit and a run scored, and Billingsley helped his own cause with an RBI-double. David Wright had a hit, RBI, and run scored for the Mets, and pitcher John Maine drove in two runs. Jonathan Broxton had a perfect ninth for his 10th save of the season.

Hudson suffered a bruised left shoulder after landing akwardly while trying to make an over-the-shoulder catch. He will be day-to-day.

Eric Stults was scratched from his start tomorrow due to a sore thumb. Jeff Weaver will make the start instead, and Eric Milton's spot will be skipped due to Thursday's off-day.

Weaver Spins Nightmare for Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Florida Marlins 6-3, snapping a three-game winning streak. Eric Milton made his Dodger debut, pitching four innings and allowing just two runs on two hits and four walks. However, Jeff Weaver let the game get away when he gave up a two-run homer to John Baker that gave the Marlins the lead. Juan Pierre had two singles, a triple, and two stolen bases, and Orlando Hudson hit two sacrifice flies resulting in two runs. Russell Martin reached base three times. Dan Uggla had a hit, two walks, an RBI, and a run scored, and Cody Ross had a one-run double.

Dodgers Pull One Out in Matinee

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3 in 10 innings, taking the series 2-1. The Dodgers had a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the ninth, but Jonathan Broxton gave up a game-tying double to Carlos Ruiz with two outs. However, Andre Ethier walked with two out in the top of the tenth, and Russell Martin doubled, James Loney walked, and Matt Kemp doubled to put LA up by two. Chad Billingsley was sharp despite not getting the win, allowing only one run on three hits and nine strikeouts. Ramon Troncoso had his second save of the season. Martin finished with three hits, Kemp had a triple and finished just a homer short of the cycle, and Loney had his second home run in as many days. Xavier Paul doubled, the first extra-base hit of his career, and Casey Blake added a single, double, RBI, and run scored. Raul Ibanez had two hits and scored a run for the Phillies, and Jimmy Rollins had a double.

The Dodgers optioned James McDonald to the minors, and called up veteran Eric Milton to replace him. Milton will start Saturday against the Marlins instead of Jeff Weaver. McDonald struggled in his rookie season, going 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA.

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: McDonald Shines, Billingsley's Held Back, and Vargas is Sore

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies 8-6, their 13th win of the spring. James McDonald improved his claim to the fifth starter spot with three scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and two walks while striking out three. Eric Milton took a step back as he allowed 6 runs on seven hits in less than three innings. Xavier Paul had a three-run triple, and both James Loney and Blake DeWitt had two hits and two RBI's. Juan Castro had two hits, one run scored, and an RBI.

Chad Billingsley will be held back from his scheduled start on Sunday because of a strained groin. Billingsley expects to pitch in a bullpen session on Friday.

Claudio Vargas's elbow became sore after Wednesday's outing. Vargas is a candidate for the fifth starter spot.

Jonathan Broxton and Corey Wade both pitched in simulated games rather than their expected bullpen sessions.

Dodgers News: Surprise Surprise, Lindblom Blossoms, and Manny Might Be Back

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Kansas City Royals 9-4, despite scoring three runs in the first inning. Claudio Vargas started his first game for LA, pitching three innings and only allowing one run on three hits and two walks. Eric Milton gave up 8 runs, including a six-run fifth inning, but just one of those runs was earned. James Loney, Delwyn Young, and Blake DeWitt each had an RBI in the first, and DeWitt had three hits.

Josh Lindblom had a good debut for the big-league club after being promoted. He pitched two scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and striking out three.

Manny Ramirez may be close to returning to the lineup. Manny could DH in Monday's game against the Angels. He is currently healing a tight left-hamstring which he aggravated in Sunday's game.

Dodgers News: Tough Thrashing, Schmidt Can't Pitch, and Manny Can't Play

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Colorado Rockies 9-5, their seventh loss of the season. Manny Ramirez made his debut in left-field, but left the game after injuring his hamstring. Eric Milton and Claudio Vargas both had rough outings, Milton giving up four runs in his first inning of work, and Vargas surrendering three runs in three innings. Valentino Pascucci had a two-run homer, and Hector Luna had a double, RBI, and three runs scored. Russell Martin and Casey Blake both had doubles, and Juan Castro had a hit and RBI.

Manny Ramirez was lifted in the fourth inning for a pinch-hitter after Ramirez tweaked his left hamstring. He received the injury after trying to run down a double in the top of the fourth. The hamstring tightened on Thursday, keeping him out of the lineup against Korea. Ramirez will not play in any game tomorrow, and might not play Tuesday with Wednesday an off-day.

Eric Stults, a long-shot candidate for the fifth-starter spot, pitched three shutout innings in a B-game against the Chicago White Sox yesterday.

Justin Orenduff cleared waivers and was sent to the minors. Orenduff was designated for assignment after LA signed Manny Ramirez.

Jason Schmidt complained of full-body fatigue and was given an extra day of rest. He was scheduled to pitch in today's game, but will instead start tomorrow against Oakland.

The Dodgers will play two split-squad games tomorrow, one against Oakland and the other against Seattle. While Schmidt going against the A's, Hiroki Kuroda will start against the Mariners.

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: Walk-off Win, Manny Comes to Camelback, and Pierre Wants a Trade

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago White Sox 5-4, their first win at Camelback Ranch. Jason Repko hit a game-winning RBI single in the ninth, just after Xavier Paul had a game-tying RBI. Paul hit a home run earlier in the game, and Doug Mientkiewicz hit a 2-run homer. Hiroki Kuroda pitched three scoreless innings, only giving up one hit, and Ramon Troncoso had a perfect inning. Eric Milton and Claudio Vargas hit setbacks, combining to give up all of the White Sox runs of the day.

Orlando Hudson returned to the lineup after experiencing soreness in his left wrist. Andre Ethier played in right field after spending the last two days in the DH position.

Manny Ramirez arrived in Glendale, Arizona to join the Dodgers' Spring Training. He held a press conference in which he estimates it will take a week for him to play in Spring Training games. Manny stated he was happy to be with LA, that he was unhappy in Boston, and will fully commit to the team, despite not receiving the 4-year, $100 million contract he wanted at the beginning of free-agency.

Juan Pierre has requested a trade from the Dodgers after the signing of Manny Ramirez. Pierre's speed makes him a good fourth-outfielder and pinch-hitter. However, Pierre wishes to play full-time, and would like to go to another team where he can play everyday.

More WBC Exhibitions: Jonathan Broxton got the save in Team USA's 9-6 win over Philadelphia. He pitched a perfect 9th inning with one strikeout. Russell Martin had a hit and a run in Team Canada's 6-0 win over the New York Yankees. Valentino Pascucci had a hit and three strikeouts in Team Italy's loss to the New York Mets. Luis Maza walked in his only plate appearance in Team Venezuela's 8-4 loss to Atlanta. Kenley Jansen went hitless in two at-bats in Team Netherlands' 4-2 loss to Minnesota.

Editor's Note: Let's Get Down to Business

Now that the Manny Ramirez situation is over, and the slugging left-fielder is back in Hollywood, it's time for the Dodgers to start to seriously look at the team. No more waffling on the team's potential. It's time to study the Dodgers' players and their potential. And the best place to look is the pitching staff. While the staff has the most potential it's had in years, it also has the most risk. When a 25-year old Chad Billingsley is your ace, those are the kind of problems you can find. Billingsley can still most likely have another standout year, but if he becomes the ace of the rotation, the pressure can get tough. Hiroki Kuroda is a roller-coaster pitcher, who can take a perfect-game into the eighth inning one game and surrender 6 runs in his next. But with two playoff wins under his belt, Kuroda quickly becomes a key component. Clayton Kershaw is the wild-card in the rotation. A first-round pick who made his first big-league start at the tender age of 20, Kershaw embodies the 2009 staff: incredible potential to either astound or crash and burn. Randy Wolf can be a terrific influence, but only if he can stay off the DL. Then the fifth slot. After Chan Ho Park's success last season, the Dodgers look to past-their-prime pitchers to make a difference this season. Players like Jason Schmidt, Eric Milton, Claudio Vargas, and Shawn Estes all have had troubles in the last several years. If Schmidt can stay healthy, he becomes the favorite for the fifth spot. If not, it becomes Vargas's to lose. Other options still remain that the Dodgers really need to consider, including another past-his-prime pitcher: Pedro Martinez (above). With the Manny-drama over, pitching is once again a priority, one nobody can overlook.

Dodgers News: Home Opener, No News Still, and Pitchers Make Progress

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell in their first game at their new Spring Training home, Camelback Ranch, to the stadium's co-occupants, the Chicago White Sox. The Dodgers held a 2-run lead going into the ninth inning before surrendering 3 runs to the Sox. Mark Loretta and Blake DeWitt each had an RBI, and Matt Kemp scored a run and hit a double. Hiroki Kuroda pitched two scoreless innings, only giving up a hit, and Claudio Vargas and Eric Milton both made their cases to be the fifth starter, both pitching two scoreless innings and allowing two baserunners.

Frank McCourt has said negotiations with Manny Ramirez have paused for now, but will likely resume in some time. Scott Boras and GM Ned Colletti have still spoken over the phone, but no real progress has been made. News came that McCourt pulled the Dodgers' offer of 2 years, $45 million deferred.

Eric Milton pitched for the first time since 2007 after suffering an elbow injury, and retired 6 of the 8 batters he faced, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two. Claudio Vargas also threw two scoreless innings, but allowed two hits. Guillermo Mota had a perfect inning. All three pitchers and Hiroki Kuroda are capable of making the club in April.

Ramon Troncoso left the game after pitching 2/3rds of an inning for reasons unknown.

Tomorrow will be an off-day, with the club playing a 7-inning "B" game against Milwaukee.

Abreu Knocks in Two in Dodgers' Loss

The Los Angeles Dodgers fell to the Chicago Cubs 5-3 in their first Spring Training game in Arizona. Tony Abreu, who just last year missed the entire season with an injury, drove in 2 runs, and James Loney had two hits. Ramon Troncoso surrendered a grand slam to Micah Hoffpauier that sealed the Dodgers' fate. Matt Kemp had a hit and scored two runs, and Eric Milton pitched a scoreless inning-and-two-thirds. Claudio Vargas gave up one run in 2 innings.

Dodgers Sign Milton

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed former All-Star LHP Eric Milton to a minor-league contract. Milton missed the last season-and-a-half while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He will compete for the fifth starter role during spring training. Milton has a 87-84 career record, and went 15-7 in 2001 with Minnesota which made him an All-Star that season. However, he could not enjoy the same kind of success after signing with Cincinnati, going 16-27 with the Reds over 3 seasons. Milton has also pitched for Philadelphia, and in 1999 pitched a no-hitter against the Anaheim Angels. Milton joins Claudio Vargas, Shawn Estes, and Jeff Weaver as starters past their prime who hope to have a rebirth, much like Chan Ho Park did last season.