On The Edge

The old Jerry Seinfeld line about sports fanaticism is that we're all just rooting for clothes. Teams sometimes move. Players are frequently traded away. Heroes always eventually retire and fade away. Teams sign multi-billion dollar media deals to not show the games on TV. The only immutable force that binds fans together, the occasional camouflage abominations excepted, is the laundry.  Now, I'm just the derelict puzzle guy, and the world is full of think-pieces exploring every conceivable angle on what a GAME SEVEN (dramatic music) means, so I'm going to write about this weird internet island we all live on instead.

 

This blog, and by extension, the Dodgers, has arguably made a bigger direct impact on my life than my fellow Sons, and I'll be the first to admit that I'm a bad fan on the regular. I'm petulant when the team loses, I don't post or comment enough, and I still loathe Jason Schmidt even though it's not his fault that his rotator cuff looks like Elmer Fudd's shotgun after Bugs Bunny plugs it with his finger. Sports fandom isn't inherently virtuous, and cheering for the Dodgers isn't objectively better, with profound apologies to Tommy, than supporting any other team. Watching grown men run around on a big lawn in uniforms is a crazy thing to spend a measure of your life doing, but the reason being a fan is fun for me is because of you Sons, readers, lurkers, and other assorted maniacs talking about it.

So tonight, when sitting down to watch GAME SEVEN (dramatic music), we're going to get excited about a Dodger game one last time this year. A team will win, a team will lose, and tomorrow won't be all that different in the big picture except for the shared experience. I'll remember dumb puns and obscure references as much as any of the big plays because you're a great group of people to be completely irrational with together. Can you believe it, though? That's OUR laundry out there!

Video: The Big Lebowski, Grammercy Pictures

5 Thoughts on the Giants' Dynasty

1. That's right, I said dynasty. 10 of the last 15 World Series have been won by the 21st-century baseball powerhouses: the Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals and Giants. Three World Series titles in five years isn't quite Yankees territory, but it's getting there, and the Giants may not even be done yet. What's worse, the Giants are pulling away from the Dodgers in terms of franchise championships: The Giants have eight and the Dodgers have been stuck at six for, oh, 26 years and counting....

2. The Giants are no longer a small- or mid-market team. Their $149-million payroll is the major league's sixth-highest, and it only figures to go up — as it should. It's good to see their management reinvest all that postseason money into their team. It's bad to see that they have fewer Jason Schmidt- or Andruw Jones-sized blunders in their free agent history, but that's an entirely different frustration.

3. Every team has bad fans. Remember Jonathan Denver, the Dodger fan (and the son of a Dodger security guard) killed by a Giants fan near AT&T Park in 2013? It turns out that Denver and his brother teamed up against the Giants fan, whom the SF District Attorney could not prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" did not act in self-defense. So if you detected some subtle anti-L.A. sentiment in the Giants' quotes about Bryan Stow participating in their pre-game World Series ceremonies, just remember that every team has bad fans — even the Giants.

4. 2014 was as unenjoyable as winning years get. The Dodgers' 42-8 streak in 2013 may have been an anomaly, but the 2014 Dodgers didn't even come close to making any kind of winning statement. Unlike, say, hockey, baseball rewards the team that gets hot at the right time, and the 2014 Dodgers never truly got hot, posting a winning streak of more than three games against above-.500 teams only once (in July, against Atlanta). Add to that the bullshit Time-Warner Cable situation (still unresolved, by the way!), and 2014 would be a year to forget — if you saw it in the first place.

5. Some fuck you's are in order. Fuck you, Chase Carey, for trading Mike Piazza. Fuck you, Frank McCourt, for costing us Vlad Guerrero. And speaking of Vlads: Fuck you, Vladimir Shpunt, for not doing your job.

OK, I feel a little better now.

Quotes That Come Back To Bite One In The Ass

Baseball Prospectus's Sam Miller had a sweet text collage from Sam Miller over the holidays, which compiles some of the loftiest of quotes about what turned out to be the deepest of bottom-fed signings (link subscribers only). And guess, what, there are a ton of Dodgers in there (20% of the list!) (emphasis by Sax):

Good morning, and thank you all for being here. We are excited to introduce to you our newest player. He will be out momentarily, along with some of the key decision makers responsible for bringing him here, and they will answer your questions. The entire organization is very excited, and our city should be, too. We’ll begin with some opening remarks from our general manager.

“We've gotten a tremendous player (1). The gem of the lot (4). A top-of-the-rotation starter who can dominate a game as well as any pitcher in the major leagues (7). A big-game pitcher, and a really tough competitor (12). He’s going to be a difference-maker (6). This guy is a tremendous all-around player (9). This man gets on base an awful lot (3). He makes the lineup deeper and more dynamic (11). It gives you a bona fide run producer (15). He can change the game all the time on defense, on the bases, at the plate, and not a lot of players can do that (11). We had the chance to get one of the best center fielders in the game, maybe the best defensive one in the National League, and we did it. We did it (2). Being a premium defender is something that is a priority for us (6). He is a great fit in our lineup and in our ballpark (10). He'll be a centerpiece of our ballclub on the field and in the clubhouse (5). He is a guy that is very versatile offensively and I think he's going to be able to hit in a lot of different spots (6). He’s been extraordinarily durable throughout his entire career (12). He’s definitely a great player (1). He’s going to be out there for a long time (7). Do we expect seven all-star seasons? No. If he has five seasons like the last few years, we'll be fine with it (5). He's a really special player(11). We landed an elite player and laid the groundwork on many other fronts. So, yeah, we feel good about ourselves right now (5).

“The bottom line is, we like him (13). He's a proven winner, and that's something that's very hard to find (7). A player of his talent, charisma, leadership and durability comes along maybe once every 10 years (4). I've long admired how he plays the game (3). He takes such good care of his body (5). His no-nonsense approach is known throughout the game (9). He comes highly recommended from people who know him (3). He's the type of guy who's going to hold everyone accountable to do the same thing he's doing, which is playing the game right and playing to win (9). He’s a fun person to be around (10). He has a chance to win here. When you have a chance to win, you play hard (1).This is the type of guy to give a long-term deal with. We still think his best days are still ahead of him (5). Every year he just seems to get better (11).Guys learn at different paces in their careers, and he is coming into his own (6). What people lose sight of is the ripple effect he has on the rest of the team. Greatplayers and pitchers make good players and good pitchers better (4). He has a history of being a good player. We really like this player, and he fits. He fits with what we're doing (1). I think this says that this organization is here to win (15).

“It's no secret that we have coveted his services for quite some time (10). If the alternative is not getting him, we'd rather be accused of overspending (4). The money doesn’t play. You put a ballplayer out there. You don’t put money out there (5). You have to keep swinging for the fences (8). When our revenues increase, our fans should know that we look to put that money back into the team. That's how you build franchise value (4). When two rival GMs in your own division are saying that you overspent, you must be doing something right (5). This is clearly the best way for us to go (12). Adding him was a priority and we were able to fulfill this today (14). I couldn't see us filling the needs that we laid out at the end of the season any better (1). We're going to follow the plan. We're a ball club that's on the rise. We’re going in the right direction (5). We are set. Not only for the year but beyond (14). If we win—if we get to the playoffs and get a shot at it—then we managed it right (1). We were a contending team before this deal. We’re stronger now (1). This is the start of something (5). It’s very exciting (12). This signing gives us hope (4). I’m not ashamed (5).”

(All of the above are real quotes from club officials)

Key:

• 1. Angels trade for Vernon Wells
• 2. Dodgers sign Andruw Jones
• 3. Dodgers sign Juan Pierre
• 4. Giants sign Barry Zito
• 5. Nationals sign Jayson Werth
• 6. Angels sign Gary Matthews, Jr.
• 7. Dodgers sign Jason Schmidt
• 8. Yankees sign A.J. Burnett
• 9. Giants sign Aaron Rowand
• 10. White Sox sign Adam Dunn
• 11. Red Sox sign Carl Crawford
• 12. Red Sox sign John Lackey
• 13. Mets sign Jason Bay
• 14. Mets re-sign Oliver Perez
• 15. Astros sign Carlos Lee

(To be fair, the Giants, Red Sox, Angels, and Mets are all on the list twice as well. But we're the only team represented by three busts! Whoo hoo!)

Read This

• MSTI’s 2009 in Review: Secondary Starting Pitchers (Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness): A fine analysis of some of 2009's unsung heroes, but also an excuse for us to run MSTI's excellent Jason Schmidt card.
• DeJon Watson talks with TBLA (True Blue LA): A sweet exclusive with the Dodgers' Assistant GM, Player Development. Get your prospect fix.
• Pedro Guerrero (Cardboard Gods): A tribute to one of SoSG's shining stars. Okay, not really, but a nice appreciation.

Dodgers Acquire Injury Bug from Mets for PTBNL

Yesterday alone:

• Jason Schmidt is moved to the 15-day disabled list with a "right shoulder issue." The issue is that his right shoulder prevents him from not being bad. Schmidt's locker was empty, meaning this could be the end for him.
• Chad Billingsley strains his left hamstring after hitting a single in the sixth inning. (Fortunately, it wasn't the same hamstring that cramped up in Atlanta on Sunday.)
• Scott Elbert, after being named Sunday's starter, throws 13 pitches and allows two earned runs. This after throwing six pitches in Thursday's game.
• Manny Ramirez goes 0-for-3 with two strikeouts, raising yet more questions about whether is right hand is still hurt.

(Mets fans: "And...?")

While we wait for updates on Billingsley's condition, the quest for a fifth starter continues. The current candidates are Elbert, Eric Stults and James McDonald (who pitched two innings of scoreless relief last night). With both the Giants and Rockies 6.5 games back, a waiver-wire pickup might also be a possibility.

Feel bad about our lack of starting pitching depth? We're not alone: The Red Sox, lauded in the first half of the season for their many starting rotation options, aren't quite as flexible now, writes Tom Verducci of SI.com.

UPDATE: Billingsley injury looks more serious this time (Dodger Thoughts)

Game 108 vs. Brewers, Aug. 5: Post-Game Quotes

BREWERS 4, DODGERS 1

JOE TORRE

• On Jason Schmidt: "He wasn't as sharp as last time. He didn't have the same curveball. He didn't look like he was locating like he did in Atlanta. He's scheduled for Monday and we'll go from there. Last time out was good. This time wasn't as good as last time."
• On Braden Looper: "After that first inning, where we had a home run and a base hit, he was able to stay down, had a good splitter. He got up, got in a little trouble, but he didn't [stay] up all night. He had good stuff. I can't say we weren't as patient, but he got himself in a position where he could be patient because he got a lot of strikes."
• On the lack of retaliation tonight: "That was just an isolated incident. It's not like Red Sox-Yankees, where it was one thing that would carry over all the time. I didn't think this would be a warning night."

JASON SCHMIDT

• "I just had a hard time getting the breaking ball over. If I can't do that, I've got nothing to mix in with the fastball. They're able to lock in on one pitch and eliminate the other ones. That was basically the key to everything, if I can get that breaking ball over."
• "I was rusty, and right now have more rusty times than I am being on. I guess that's the nature of it right now."
• "They've given me the opportunity. Who knows how many I'll get. As long as they keep giving me the ball, I'll keep going out there and seeing what I can do."
• "I was happy to get back. Obviously I'd like to stay, but I do realize we're in a pennant race and how it works and where my stuff's at. I've got to be pretty perfect every start out."
• On possibly pitching out of the bullpen: "I don't know. That's up to them."

photo by Orel/SoSG

AOK in the ATL

Chad Billingsley delivered in last night's game. Here, Billingsley delivers in last night's game.

Matt Kemp's three-run home run in the fifth inning was like a walk in the park.

Jason Schmidt hits a pinch-hit single in the sixth. Can you say "utility man"?

photos by Jon SooHoo/Dodgers

Post-Game 93 Thread: Schmidt Returns For Dodger Win #2

DODGERS 7, REDS 5

Congratulations to Jason Schmidt for his first win in over a year, which wasn't easy. After giving up three earned runs in a 36-pitch first inning, Jason battled back to allow only one more hit over the next four innings, gutting out a 91-pitch, five inning performance with not a lot of velocity (topping at around 85 mph), but keeping the Reds off-balance after that shaky first. Schmidt struck out two and walked three, and left to a round of applause. Well done, Jason, and welcome back!

The Dodgers also helped Schmidt out, opening up the bottom of the first with a four-run inning to quickly take the lead back. Martin ended up going 3-for-3 in the two-hole and is batting around 100 points better in that slot. If Martin hadn't gotten caught stealing twice, it would have been a pretty good night all over for him. Manny Ramirez, Andre Ethier, and Casey Blake all had two RBI each, with James Loney adding a seventh. And Ramirez hit his tenth HR of the season (moving him into 15th place all-time, ahead of Mickey Mantle), and Ethier with his team-leading 19th homer.

The Dodgers have now won 10 in a row against the Reds at Dodger Stadium, and move to 25 games over .500 for the first time this season. With the Giants' loss and the Rockies' win, the Dodgers stay eight games ahead of second-place Colorado, with SF a half-game behind them for third place.

Most Anticipated One-Time Dodger Winner Ever

Jason Schmidt is back. And the holder of one win in his three years of $47M contracted service (which by my calculations comes out to $47M per win, but someone should check my math) is pitching Monday night:

One big question surrounding Schmidt is whether, after the former All-Star's long rehabilitation following shoulder surgery, he can get batters out despite not having his once-torrid velocity.

"There have been plenty of guys that have been able to reinvent themselves as a pitcher," said Dodgers trainer Stan Conte, who held the same job in San Francisco when Schmidt pitched for the Giants.

"Jason will get that opportunity, and we'll see what we see, whether or not the shoulder can hold up and whether he can be effective at a major-league level" Conte said.

Schmidt wasn't available for comment in the Dodgers' clubhouse ahead of today's game against the Houston Astros. But Torre said Schmidt's start was likely to "be an emotional one," and Conte said of Schmidt: "He's anxious."

He's anxious? Shoot, what about us? Or what about Ned Colletti, whose other ~$45M contract that offseason (the 2007 signing of Juan Pierre) took all the way to this year before it started to pay above-expectation dividends?

All eyes will be on Schmidt tonight. But the good news is, at least he's got the sub-.500, fifth-place Reds on tap for his 2009 debut. Let's go get that second win, Jason!

Schmidt's Comeback Tour

According to ESPN.com Jason Schmidt is coming back. I know our rotation is a little spotty, but does anyone think that he is the savior? Or is this just a band-aid before the July 31st trading deadline?

photo by Morry Gash/AP

Nuggets

• Jason Schmidt's rehab has been suspended due to shoulder irritation. Schmidt's head apparently remains unirritated from his recent beaning.
• Also from the Schmidt article: Joe Torre is playing it safe with Rafael Furcal, who's saying put me in coach, I'm ready to play. Juan Castro (5-for-9 in the current Rockies series) begs to differ.
• Tommy Lasorda will represent the Dodgers at the First-Year Player Draft, starting June 9. We anticipate Stephen Strasburg will fall to the Dodgers, with the 36th pick.
• Via Diamond, Eric Gagne has signed with the Quebec Capitales of the Can-Am League. Sacrebleu!
• Also via Diamond, Jodi Mientkiewicz and Russell Martin's girlfriend, Marikym Hervieux, are interviewed about supporting the Dodgers' official charity, ThinkCure! (Confidential to Russell: Nice pull.)

$47M Doesn't Stretch As Far For The Dodgers

No, it's not just the weakening dollar. Tony Jackson reported today that Jason Schmidt is done for the year, according to Joe Torre:

Said this morning, before the game, that Schmidt is probably done for 2008.

"Yes, for this year," Torre said. "At this juncture, a lot would have to happen in a hurry for him to be able to pitch for us at this level. He would have to start throwing bullpens (now), and then his rehab probably would take him through the second week of September at this point. I think it would be a long shot."

Before we all start hootin' and hollerin' over the incredible start by the unbelievable Manny Ramirez, and how brilliant the Dodgers' front office is to land such a fearsome hitter and direction-changing force to the lineup--let's all recall how we've spent our money in the past.

Jason Schmidt: 3 years, $47M. If he doesn't play next year, that translates to roughly $2M per inning pitched, or $47M per win (someone please check my math). Someone please stop giving the teenagers the keys to the nice car. This is depressing.

Sad Thing Is, This Isn't Even News

Schmidt suffers setback in rehab (Dodgers.com)

Schmidt Sighted in Cincinnati

MLB.com reports that Jason Schmidt is throwing again, which I suppose is a good sign. I'll believe it when I see it on the mound, though...

CINCINNATI -- Jason Schmidt won't be pitching Tuesday night, or anytime soon, but there was a glimmer of hope four hours before Monday night's Dodgers-Reds game.

Schmidt threw 48 pitches in a bullpen session that was important enough for manager Joe Torre to witness.

"His curveball was good last time, and it stunk today, but his slider was good," said Torre. "He's getting impatient. He's at the point where he feels competitive."

It's been 10 months since Schmidt's shoulder surgery and, after a Spring Training setback, he's back to throwing regularly off a mound. Schmidt said the stiffness that he had been experiencing when beginning to warm up has suddenly diminished.

He's getting impatient? What about us Dodger fans?

Seriously, though, although it could be the most expensive solitary win that the Dodgers ever signed, rushing Jason Schmidt back at this point is NOT the malady for the Dodgers. We have plenty of decent pitching, as well as Chan Ho Park. What we need now is a consistent bat or two. Take your time, Jason, and get your comeback right.

Schmidt Down, Penny Up

From Dodgers.com:

Jason Schmidt had his fourth bullpen session of Spring Training on Tuesday, and he wasn't thrilled with it.

Schmidt, recovering from major right shoulder surgery, reported no pain, but said he took longer to loosen up and didn't feel adequately loose until near the end of his 53-pitch session....

By contrast, Brad Penny threw two innings worth of a simulated game/batting practice against Minor League hitters and was pleased with his recent progress.

"I was throwing harder and my curveball had a lot of bite," said Penny. "I feel like I'm now ahead of past springs."

Let's All Get Our Hopes Up!

From AP notes at ESPN.com:

SCHMIDT IMPRESSIVE IN BULLPEN OUTING WITH DODGERS (3:25 p.m. ET)

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jason Schmidt, a question mark entering spring training, looked impressive in his first bullpen outing Saturday and was all smiles afterward.

"Knock on wood, I hate to even say anything. I was pain-free," he said. "I'm feeling free and easy. Stamina up, arm strength, too. [But] we're not out of the woods."

Schmidt used all of his pitches during the session, split into two segments of 15 pitches each not counting a few warmup tosses.

Russell Martin Feels Not Only Fresh, But Also Rooty, Tooty, and Fruity

No, I'm not outing Russell Martin, our star catcher. Rather, I thought Tim Kurkjian's spring training blog was funny for multiple reasons. First, what he wrote in yesterday's blog:

[Dodger manager Joe] Torre is getting to know his players, many of whom he has never met. He met star catcher Russell Martin when the two ran into each other at an IHOP in Vero Beach on Tuesday. Martin went up to him and said, "Hi, I'm Russell Martin." The two talked about the team for 10 to 15 minutes. Martin said he spent the winter on a workout program that helped make him more "explosive." "I feel more athletic now," he said. This coming from the one of the most athletic catchers we've ever seen.

First, it concerns me that Russell had to introduce himself to Torre in order to be noticed. If Torre hasn't had time to take note of Martin since being named manager, he's only overlooking, oh, the most important player on the team. Nice. Secondly, I'm glad that Martin's "explosive" workout regimen includes plenty of IHOP pancakes. I must have missed that scene when they showed the training program in Rocky IV.

Other notes from Timmy K. (why not keep the kitchen references going?):

Jason Schmidt, who missed most of last season with a shoulder injury, "is on the back burner" this spring, said manager Joe Torre. Schmidt rehabbed the shoulder all winter, said he threw off a mound for a first time a month ago and "hopes" to be ready Opening Day, but that's not going to happen. He said the Dodgers are being extra cautious with him this spring. Instead of throwing a bullpen session every other day, he might [throw] every fourth day.

With the signing of center fielder Andruw Jones, Juan Pierre said he's expecting to be moved to left field, a position, he said, he hasn't played "since 1999 in A-ball." Pierre said such a move will require a great deal of work because "in center field, the ball comes off the bat naturally, but in left field, it's slicing and dicing. Plus, there's foul territory to deal with in left field." But, Pierre said, he'll do what he's told. "I'm just trying to get another ring," he said.

One can still get a ring sitting on the bench all year. And after watching The Misadventures of Juan Pierre in center field next year, I'm awfully concerned that he's concerned about left field. Yikes.

Ned Colletti: Grammatically Unsound, and Confused, Too!

The latest Dodgers.com chat with Ned Colletti brings up some interesting quotes, not the least of which was his comment to a question regarding everyone's favorite centerfielder for the next five years, Juan Pierre:

gelomac: Mr. Colletti, how do you feel about signing Juan Pierre? Do you think it is a mistake or do you think you did the right thing?

COLLETTI: One of the things you have to take into account is the makeup of the club at the time the deal was signed. We see Juan Pierre as a very good complimentary player. When we signed him, we didn't expect him to carry the club. Our expectations were for him to be on base over 200 times and steal 50-plus bases. It's also only four months into his first season in a new city, and I think we have to wait a little longer before we make judgments on what he can or can't do.

I highly doubt that Pierre was signed to be a "complimentary" player, though I have seen a lot of Dodgers press releases speaking to Pierre's incredible work ethic, great demeanor, every-day play, etc. As much as it kills me to see every baserunner take two bases on Pierre on all singles hit to center, or Pierre's all-too-common fly balls lacking even warning-track power, or the fact that he is apparently the hardest person to strike out in the National League--I admit that it's hard to hate the guy since he seems like a nice gentleman who tries hard. Unfortunately, though, trying hard doesn't compensate for the most invisible stolen base numbers I have ever seen (in that the stolen bases don't seem to result in runs scored). Pierre has become such a black hole, both offensively and defensively, that it's hard to imagine many "compliments" going his way.

Perhaps Colletti meant that Pierre was a "complementary" player--but even that is suspect. Complementary to whom? To Luis Gonzalez, whose small fielding range amplifies the problem with singles hit to the outfield? To Rafael Furcal, who was already set as the leadoff hitter in the lineup (and is having a substandard year of his own, I might add)? To jaunty cap-wearing fans everywhere? I can only surmise that Colletti meant to type "complementary," but I can't figure out to whom he was referring.

Besides the grammatical woes, however, it's hard not to notice the spin campaign put on by Colletti, who (along with Frank "M.I.A." McCourt and Grady "Loathe-To-Try-Something-New" Little) should rightfully be feeling the heat for the Dodgers' freefall into the NL West abyss. Here's what Colletti said back in December 2006, right after he signed Pierre:

"Everybody we've added brings something special," said Colletti. "They've been through many seasons, many winning seasons, and they come in with a certain perspective that a player who hasn't been through it can't have. They've been through the peaks and valleys, the ups and downs, and know how to keep it going in the right direction. When they walk in the room, everybody knows who they are and what they bring."

Why do I have the sinking feeling that Colletti didn't know why he signed Pierre in the first place?!?! Is he complImentary? ComplEmentary? Sedimentary? All I know is, we've got a five-year, $44M contract, without a lot of rationale. And despite Colletti's plea not to rush to judgment, the first four months of this experiment do not seem to be paying off for the Dodgers. And we've got 26 more months to go....

So what else did Colletti say during that fateful December press release? Funny you ask:

"Jason is as durable as anybody on our staff -- just look at the innings he's thrown," the GM said. "There's always a risk, but [Dodger trainer Stan] Conte knows him well. We feel he's fine. With the innings he's pitched, this guy stays in shape. He works out all winter."

Don't get me started.

Jason Schmidt Continues Proud Dodger Tradition of Overpaid Pitching Blowouts

From Tony Jackson:

Schmidt done for the year

Jason Schmidt had a torn labrum, scarring of the bursa and a frayed biceps tendon. He won't throw for three or four months, but they're hopeful he'll be ready by the start of spring training. At first glance, this would appear to be devastating news. But as GM Ned Colletti correctly pointed out in the most relevant quote of the day, "With all due respect, he wasn't throwing well. It's not as if he were on the way to a Cy Young season and suddenly you lose him."

From Diamond Leung:

Schmidt done for the year

Jason Schmidt underwent season-ending surgery in Los Angeles today, and it wasn't just the bursa that needed to be cleaned up. Schmidt also learned that his labrum was completely detached and needed to be repaired. Furthermore, his biceps tendon was frayed and needed repairing.

Schmidt won't be able to throw a ball for three to four months. The hope is he will be ready to go by spring training.

Schmidt to Go Under Knife; Billingsley to Go Under Microscope

From AP/ESPN.com:

TORONTO -- Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Jason Schmidt will have shoulder surgery in Los Angeles on Wednesday and his return date is uncertain.

"It's very discouraging," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said before Tuesday's game in Toronto.

Right-hander Chad Billingsley (4-0) will start in Schmidt's place against Toronto on Thursday.

Schmidt, who signed a $47 million, three-year contract as a free agent during the offseason, was placed on the disabled list in April with bursitis in his shoulder after going 1-2 with a 7.36 ERA in three starts.

Following a 45-game absence, Schmidt returned June 5 and threw six shutout innings in San Diego, consistently reaching 89 mph and topping out at 91 mph.

But the 34-year-old right-hander didn't perform nearly as well in his last two starts, and his velocity was down. He allowed three runs and five hits in 4 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday, walking four and striking out two. He is 1-4 with a 6.31 ERA.

Schmidt admitted after Saturday's game that he was still not at full strength.

"I just haven't felt like myself," he said.

Schmidt was placed on the disabled list and utilityman Marlon Anderson was activated from the disabled list to take his place on the roster.

UPDATE:

From Diamond Leung:

Yhency Brazoban has a torn labrum and will undergo surgery to repair his shoulder Friday. He is out a minimum of 6-8 weeks, and that's only if it's found that the tear is a small one. He would be lost for the season if the labrum was completely detached.