The Dodgers leave Houston after taking three of four from the Astros and head to San Fran to take on the Giants with two of their regulars back in the lineup.
Nomar wasn’t set to return until next week’s homestand, but after a three-game rehab stint in Las Vegas this week, he will be activated for tomorrow’s game. He will play at short in place of Rafael Furcal, who just underwent back surgery this morning. He is expected to miss at least eight weeks, which would set his return to late August, but it isn’t crazy to say that he may be out for the remainder of the season.
Andruw Jones will also be activated for tomorrow’s game, rejoining the team two weeks earlier than expected. Jones and Nomar’s return will prompt Torre to option two players to make room on the roster. Also, Brad Penny was a maybe for his scheduled start this Saturday, but it has been put off and Chan Ho Park will start on Saturday and Eric Stults on Sunday.
Friday’s matchup is Derek Lowe and Jonathan Sanchez. Lowe’s record of 5-8 doesn’t show many of the strong outings he has, he has lacked run support all season long. Sanchez is 8-4 and has won six of his last seven starts.
