Who can stay mad at Manny? Ramirez returns to Dodger Stadium on Thursday

Eric Milton underwent season-ending back surgery Tuesday, leaving the Dodgers without a fifth starter.

Moves to ponder

Colletti said his priority heading into the non-waiver trade deadline on July 31 is to acquire a veteran reliever who can pitch in the seventh or eighth inning. But with the Dodgers this close to being World Series material, Colletti at least has to think about pursuing a top-of-the-line starter such as Roy Halladay of Toronto or Cliff Lee of Cleveland.

See you in October

Unless Ramirez gets suspended again, the Dodgers figure to score a bunch of runs. They might do that even if he does.

The key is pitching. Lacking a bona fide ace, this team appears better designed to win a division title than a playoff series. Trading for Halladay or Lee would make a big difference. Billingsley, who had an outstanding first half, needs to pitch deeper into games more consistently to lessen the burden on the bullpen.

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dylan.hernandez@latimes.com