Closer Jonathan Broxton’s stay on the disabled list will be extended, probably for quite a while

Reporting from Minneapolis — Jonathan Broxton won’t be back any time soon.

Manager Don Mattingly said Tuesday that the sidelined closer will be shut down for the next three weeks.

“We’re back to square one,” Mattingly said.

Broxton, who was placed on the disabled list May 4 because of a bruised elbow, started a minor league rehabilitation assignment last week and pitched in two games. His velocity dipped in his second appearance, after which he complained of discomfort in his elbow.

Broxton underwent an MRI exam Monday that revealed his elbow was bruised again. Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the team physician, recommended rest for the right-hander.

Trainer Stan Conte said the MRI test indicated that Broxton’s elbow is in worse shape than it was when he was first placed on the disabled list. When Broxton resumes throwing, he will have to rebuild arm strength.

Asked if he might not be able count on Broxton pitching again this season, Mattingly replied, “For me, a little bit. It’s getting to be so far out again.”

Conte said he expects Broxton to return this season. The trainer said the possibility of surgery hasn’t been discussed by the medical staff.

The timetable for Broxton’s recovery makes it highly unlikely that the Dodgers would be able to trade him if they become sellers leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Broxton, making $7 million this season, will become a free agent this winter.

With Broxton out, Mattingly said rookie Javy Guerra will remain the Dodgers’ primary ninth-inning option.

“That’s the way we’ve used him and that’s the way we’ll continue to use him for now,” Mattingly said.

General Manager Ned Colletti said it was too early to say if the Dodgers would try to acquire a closer before the trade deadline.

Jamey Carroll, All-Star?

Should Clayton Kershaw be an All-Star?

“Absolutely,” Colletti said.

Matt Kemp?

Colletti nodded. “Without question,” he said.

Colletti paused. “You know who else deserves some consideration?” he asked. Without waiting for a response, Colletti answered his own question: “Jamey Carroll.”

Carroll is hitting .301 with 35 runs and 11 doubles. Among Dodgers with more than 25 at-bats, he ranks third in on-base percentage (.372), trailing only Kemp and Andre Ethier.

Colletti pointed out that Omar Infante, like Carroll a utilityman, was an All-Star last year for Atlanta. Colletti said he liked the idea of recognizing utility players.

“I think they’re valuable to the club,” Colletti said. “How hard this guy plays and what he’s been able to do for us for a year and a half, sometimes it goes unnoticed, but it doesn’t go unnoticed to us.”

dylan.hernandez@latimes.com