Dodgers' Kershaw to be recalled and start tonight
DODGERS FYI
The top pitching prospect is expected to stay in the majors for the rest of the season, Manager Joe Torre says. He had two wins for double-A Jacksonville after being sent down July 2.
DENVER -- Top pitching prospect Clayton Kershaw will be recalled from double-A Jacksonville to start against the Colorado Rockies tonight and Manager Joe Torre said he expects the 20-year-old left-hander to remain in the majors for the rest of the season.
"It wasn't easy to send him out the last time because it looked like he was coming around a bit," Torre said.
Called up to the big leagues for the first time in his career May 24, Kershaw was 0-2 with a 4.42 earned-run average in eight starts. He was sent down July 2 and made three starts for Jacksonville, posting a 2-0 record and 1.00 ERA. The wins in double A were the first of the season for Kershaw at any level.
Recent triple-A call-up Jason Johnson, who was previously named by Torre as today's starter, will be used in long relief.
Torre said the decision to call up Kershaw was made before the Dodgers went into the All-Star break. The move would let Chan Ho Park be the Dodgers' setup man and backup closer, something he thought necessary when Takashi Saito was hurt.
Torre said he liked how Kershaw didn't sulk when he was sent down.
"It sounds like his off stuff is better," Torre said.
Penny and Pierre close to returning
Left fielder Juan Pierre and opening-day starter Brad Penny could be sent on minor league rehabilitation assignments this week.
Pierre, who suffered a sprained ligament in his left knee three weeks ago and was expected to be out six weeks, could be with triple-A Las Vegas before the Dodgers start their next homestand Friday. The assignment could be anywhere from a game to three games, Torre said.
Penny, who hasn't pitched since June 14 because of shoulder problems, will throw a bullpen session today and is tentatively scheduled to pitch in a minor league game this weekend. Torre anticipated that Penny would probably have to pitch twice in the minors and could be back in the rotation in early August.
High praise for Martin
Rockies Manager Clint Hurdle, who managed the National League in the All-Star game last week, said he has a newfound respect for Dodgers catcher Russell Martin.
"As much as I respected him as a player watching him from the other dugout, I respect him more now," Hurdle said.
"It's just the package. He has some youthful enthusiasm. He's got some big-time game face. He loves to play."
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