DODGERS NOTEBOOK: SCHMIDT IS PUT ON DL.

Byline: TONY JACKSON 

Staff Writer

PHOENIX -- The Dodgers placed struggling pitcher Jason Schmidt on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday after an MRI revealed bursitis in his right shoulder. But neither manager Grady Little nor trainer Stan Conte would say definitively that Schmidt's shoulder inflammation is the reason for the dramatic dropoff in his velocity.

Following Saturday night's loss to San Diego, when Schmidt was torched for six runs in two-plus innings, Schmidt revealed to Conte -- but only after some prodding -- that he was feeling discomfort in the shoulder and that he had trouble getting loose during pregame warmups.

Schmidt didn't believe at the time that it was anything other than the usual discomfort that pitchers often feel during the course of a long season.

"I just figured I would keep going out there and pitching, and it would resolve itself," he said. "I guess in a strange sort of way, I am in agreement with (going on the DL). I know it would be great if I come out on the other side and can get back to doing what I do best."

Schmidt will do nothing but rest until the inflammation "calms down," then will begin a throwing program. The move was made retroactive to Sunday, meaning Schmidt will be eligible to return on April 30, but there is no guarantee he will do so.

The Dodgers didn't fill Schmidt's roster spot until after Tuesday night's 6-4 win over Arizona, when they recalled reliever Chin-hui Tsao from Triple-A Las Vegas.

Little still won't say who will start Thursday's game at Colorado, which was supposed to be Schmidt's next start. But the obvious choice is lefty reliever Mark Hendrickson, who pitched five innings and threw 58 pitches in relief of Schmidt's abbreviated outing against the Padres and thus is perfectly lined up to make that start. Chad Billingsley is another candidate, but he has pitched three innings over the past two games.

"(But) we need to know exactly who is going to take over (Hendrickson's) job," Little said. "We need someone in that (long relief) role."

Tsao, who didn't appear in a game during a three-day callup last week, isn't exactly a long reliever. But Little said the right-hander could go two-plus innings if needed.

Rehab assignments: Outfielder Matt Kemp (right shoulder), who probably could play but isn't eligible to come off the DL until April 25, will begin a rehabilitation assignment with Las Vegas tonight. He'll take Thursday off to be re-evaluated, then probably will play until he returns to the Dodgers.

Meanwhile, Yhency Brazoban (Tommy John surgery) was scheduled to begin his rehab with a 20-pitch start on Tuesday night at Single-A Inland Empire. Brazoban faces a lengthy process similar to spring training, so he'll likely use his full 30 days. And lefty Hong-Chih Kuo (shoulder) will pitch a simulated game at Dodger Stadium before Friday's game with Pittsburgh.

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DODGERS vs. COLORADO

- Tony Jackson