The Los Angeles Dodgers hope to have Ted Lilly back when rosters expand in September, but the longtime starter will likely be in a relief role. The good news is that Lilly is close to returning to a mound after getting scratched from a rehab appearance Sunday.
Lilly, on the disabled list since May 28 with left shoulder inflammation, was examined Monday by team doctors, and cleared to throw a bullpen session. Lilly will throw another bullpen session on Friday, and then proceed to a few rehab games. If all goes will he will be activated in September, when active roster limits expand from 25 to 40.
The last time Lilly pitched in relief was August 5, 2003. He has started 265 games since then, but he said on Tuesday that he will approach pitching out of the bullpen no differently that he has as a starter.
"It's still about executing pitches," he said.
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