The Dodgers, who have Brad Penny on the mound tonight against the Reds, will soon see some of their recovered regulars back in the lineup.
Rafael Furcal, much needed atop the lineup to kick-start the offense, should return on Friday’s opener against the Cardinals. He can be activated on Wednesday and will take Thursday’s day off before starting on Friday.
Nomar is still in the middle of his rehab assignment, but has been reporting tightness in his calf, which could set off his date of return. The Dodgers shouldn’t panic, as Blake DeWitt has hit .318 while filling in for Nomar at third.
Jason Schmidt made his second rehab start on Saturday, throwing just 34 pitches but struck on three and hit 93 on the gun. He is scheduled to make at least a few more rehab starts before returning, including one this weekend at Inland Empire. His return will likely place him as the fifth role starter, after Torre has been juggling that spot with Hong-Chih Kuo, Chan Ho Park, and Esteban Loaiza. Loaiza is expected to make a rehab start tonight at Inland Empire and could return with the team after that to take the fifth starter spot before Schmidt returns.
