Before tonight’s game with the Giants, Dodger manager Joe Torre said catcher Rod Barajas’ left elbow was feeling fine, and he’s in the lineup for the fifth straight game. Torre said Barajas, who was hit by a pitch on his elbow Friday night, has full range of motion.
Vicente Padilla threw a bullpen session Friday, and he is still on schedule to start Monday night in San Diego, the first game of a 10-game road trip that will see the Dodgers play the Padres, Astros, and Giants.
Hong-Chih Kuo threw 13 pitches last night, and has only been used on back-to-back nights twice this season, but Torre said Kuo would be available to pitch tonight “if it makes sense.” In both back-to-back instances, Kuo has faced only one batter in his second outing. Jonathan Broxton would close if the Dodgers have a save situation should Kuo not be available.
Tonight is Jamey Carroll’s first start at second base since July 31. Carroll has mostly started this season at shortstop, 61 games filling in for Rafael Furcal at various points this season. Tonight is Carroll’s 14th start at second base, and he has also started eight times and third base and five times in left field this season.