Hiroki Kuroda Joins Brad Penny on Dodgers DL

The Dodgers lost their second starting pitcher in a week, when they announced that Hiroki Kuroda was headed for the DL with shoulder tendinitis. The injury is not considered serious and Kuroda is tentatively scheduled to start June 28 against the Angels.

Chan Ho Park will take Kuroda's turn Saturday against the Indians. The team has made no decisions regarding Kuroda's roster replacement, but the name being thrown around most by Joe Torre is Justin Orenduff, a 2004 supplemental first round pick. Orenduff is 2-2 in 13 starts with a 5.25 ERA at AAA Las Vegas.

The Dodgers won't need a fifth starter until June 28th so Orenduff would likely be used in a relief role. This also explains why Orenduff is being considered over top pitching prospect James McDonald, who yesterday pitched seven shutout innings for AA Jacksonville. If Kuroda's injury becomes more long term, McDonald might get a call-up because Torre has been reluctant to disrupt the bullpen by starting Park on more than a spot start basis.