Wolf’s season, L.A. career appear over

SAN DIEGO -- Randy Wolf, who had hoped to salvage an injury-marred season by pitching out of the bullpen later this month, will undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery instead, probably ending his time with the Dodgers.

The team characterized the procedure, to be performed Wednesday, as “diagnostic” or exploratory in nature, partly because they and Wolf appear to be at odds over what doctors are likely to find.

Stan Conte, the Dodgers’ head trainer, said two MRI tests showed Wolf’s labrum and rotator cuff were fine, a finding three doctors have agreed with. Under that best-case scenario, doctors will clean up whatever impingement they find and treat an inflamed bursa, sidelining Wolf for six to eight weeks.

But Wolf, 31, who lost most of the last two seasons to reconstructive elbow surgery after doctors told him the arm was fine, said he’s convinced there’s something more serious going on. And if he’s right, he could be out six to nine months.

“When you’ve lived in your body for 31 years you know what’s right and what’s not right,” he said. “And after a while you just know that what’s going on isn’t getting better.

“If they find nothing, honestly I’d be surprised.”

Wolf won eight of his first 12 decisions before going on the disabled list with an inflamed shoulder July 4. He tried to return twice before recurring shoulder pain forced him to shut down his comeback attempt last weekend. He and the Dodgers’ medical staff then agreed to surgery Thursday.

“It’s too weird,” Wolf said. “It’s hard to really know what’s going on inside until you get a good look at what’s really in there.”

A former All-Star who pitched at El Camino Real High and Pepperdine University, Wolf said he turned down several multiyear contract offers to sign a one-year, $8-million deal with his hometown team last winter. But with the Dodgers having acquired Esteban Loaiza, who is signed through next season, and with Wolf’s health questionable, the team appears likely to buy out the pitcher’s 2008 option after the season, leaving the left-hander unemployed.

“It’s really unfortunate,” Wolf said. “But I went into this year understanding the risks. I went to L.A. wanting to play for the Dodgers. I took that gamble and I lost. But I’d do it again.”

Loaiza, obtained off waivers from Oakland on Wednesday, joined the team -- and a division pennant race -- when he arrived in the Dodgers clubhouse at about 4 p.m. Friday.

“We were 14 games out two days ago before I got traded and now I’m here, [four] games out,” said Loaiza, scheduled to make his Dodgers debut Monday at Wrigley Field. “I’m real excited to be here. Hopefully a month from now we’re in the playoffs.”

A native of Tijuana, Loaiza said he grew up following the Dodgers because of another Mexican pitcher, Fernando Valenzuela.

“I’ve always been a big fan of the Dodgers,” said Loaiza, who has played for seven other big league teams.

Loaiza returned to the mound from the disabled list nine days ago and gave up three runs in 14 2/3 innings in two starts for the A’s.

To make roster room for Loaiza the Dodgers optioned left-hander Eric Stults back to triple-A Las Vegas. Stults (1-2, 4.23) is expected to rejoin the team in Chicago next week after the minor league season ends.

Nomar Garciaparra, who was eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list Thursday, still isn’t able to run without pain and may not be activated until the middle of next week at the earliest.

“It’s one of those things where it will tell me,” said Garciaparra, who has been slowed by a strained left calf.

Garciaparra, who is doing light jogging, said he has no problem with lateral movement but the pounding of hard running still bothers him.

“It’s been longer than I expected,” he said of his rehab. “I just want to be out there.”

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kevin.baxter@latimes.com