Rafael Furcal has a tight hamstring
Reporting from New York
Another name was added to the list of wounded Dodgers on Tuesday, as Rafael Furcal was held out of the second game of a doubleheader against the Mets because of hamstring problems that arose in the opener.
Manager Joe Torre said he was doubtful Furcal would be available for the series finale at Citi Field on Wednesday.
According to Torre, Furcal felt something in his leg as he ran down the first base line on a double-play groundout in the seventh inning of their 4-0 loss to the Mets.
“He said he didn’t feel anything tear,” Torre said. “It just felt tight.”
Furcal was able to play the remainder of the game.
However minor, the development was disconcerting for a club that had to place three key players on the disabled list last week: leading hitter Manny Ramirez, opening-day starter Vicente Padilla and trusted middle reliever Jeff Weaver.
Furcal, who said fears about his surgically repaired back hindered him over what was a tough 2009 season, is batting .309.
Furcal entered Tuesday tied for second in the National League with eight steals, a figure he didn’t reach last season until Sept. 14. His 16 runs ranked sixth in the league through Monday.
Ely named Wednesday starter
One of the two minor leaguers acquired in the deal that sent Juan Pierre to the Chicago White Sox over the winter, John Ely will be called up from triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday to start the series finale at Citi Field.
Ely, who is two weeks away from his 24th birthday, was 2-1 with a 3.00 earned-run average for Albuquerque.
The other player acquired in the Pierre deal, Jon Link, was optioned to Albuquerque to make room on the active roster for Ely. The Dodgers also made a place on the 40-man roster for him by placing backup catcher Brad Ausmus on the 60-day disabled list.
Asked how a pitcher with only three games above double A will react to making his major league debut, Torre responded with a question of his own.
“You’re going to be here tomorrow?” Torre asked. “We’ll find out.”
Padilla’s status remains uncertain
Padilla, who was diagnosed with an irritated radial nerve in his right forearm, won’t be able throw for at least another week, according to Torre.
Torre said the timetable for Padilla to resume throwing was seven to 10 days, meaning he is unlikely to be ready to pitch by the time he is eligible to be activated from the disabled list May 8.
“We have to let it quiet down a little bit and go from there,” Torre said.
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