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Dodgers name Chris Capuano to fill Zack Greinke spot in rotation

Chris Capuano will move from the bullpen into the Dodgers' rotation to fill Zack Greinke's spot. Capuano has pitched 2 2/3 innings this season, giving up two hits and no runs with four strikeouts.
(Mark Duncan / Associated Press)
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Say one thing about the Dodgers post-Zack Greinke, they’re being decisive.

One day after learning Greinke’s broken collarbone would keep him out at least eight weeks, they announced Saturday that left-hander Chris Capuano would move into his spot in the rotation.

That’s the best move for the long term, the other choice being Ted Lilly, who hasn’t demonstrated his previous sharpness while in rehab from shoulder surgery.

Capuano was not-so-privately upset at having to morph from starter into do-everything reliever. Lilly -- who had shown a willingness to be a reliever -- can slide into his bullpen spot.

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Greinke’s regular turn in the rotation comes up Tuesday against the Padres. Capuano threw a bullpen session before Saturday’s game against Arizona.

“At some point in the year, I was hoping to get a chance to start,” Capuano said in Phoenix. “I’m just excited that it’s still close enough to spring training and my arm feels good and strong and extended. I’ll try to go out there and help us not miss a beat.”

After next week’s San Diego series ends, the Dodgers have off-days on Thursday and Monday, so there could yet be some shuffling in the rotation’s order.

For now, though, they Dodgers will start Capuano. And since he’s been used as a reliever and not built up for starting, they can use Lilly as his backup as he stretches himself out.

Grenke figures to miss about 12 starts.

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