Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Ted Lilly is feeling better, but his stiff neck will keep him from making his scheduled start on Tuesday against the San Diego Padres. Lilly, who missed a scheduled bullpen session and two days of workouts after complaining of neck stiffness and an inability to fully turn his head, returned to workouts and light throwing Monday morning.

Depending on how Lilly progresses, his availability for the start of the regular season could be in question. Manager Don Mattingly said he will wait a few days before deciding what to do with his left-hander.

"He feels a little better today, but he's still not where he wants to be," Mattingly said.

Mattingly said he would make a decision by Friday, depending on Lilly's health, about when he would pitch next. Lilly is the scheduled third starter of the regular season, but with an off day on April 9, after four regular season games, the Dodgers have some maneuverability should they choose to juggle the rotation or possibly skip a Lilly start.

But that will mostly depend on how Lilly progresses over the next few days.

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