Jay Howell Injures Back While Pitching

Dodger reliever Jay Howell, making only his third spring appearance for the Dodgers, was forced to leave Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Braves with what was diagnosed as a sprained joint in his back.

Dodger trainers said Howell, who had off-season elbow surgery before being acquired from the Oakland A’s, suffered a mild sprain of the sacroiliac joint, which is located between the hipbone and the lower part of the spine. Howell’s status is uncertain, and he will undergo X-rays today.

The injury occured on the first pitch to the second batter Howell faced in the eighth inning. He said he felt a distinct twinge in his back, “like somebody bit me.” Pitching coach Ron Perranoski and trainer Bill Buhler approached the mound to consult with Howell, who decided to remain in the game. But after throwing seven straight balls, Perranoski convinced Howell to leave.

“I felt like somebody stabbed me on the back on that one pitch,” Howell said. “After that, I didn’t have pain, but I know I looked weird and was favoring it. I made garbage pitches after that. I’m glad they convinced me to come out.”

Before this spring, Howell said he never has experienced back pain. Two weeks ago, Dodger trainers originally said Howell’s back pain was related only to the flu, which felled Howell for nearly a week.

Dodger Notes

Atlanta Manager Chuck Tanner pulled an unusual move, which backfired, in the 10th inning of the Dodgers’ 3-2 win Sunday. The Dodgers had the bases loaded with one out and Ralph Bryant batting. Tanner called in his left fielder to plug the gap between shortstop and third base and his right fielder came in between first base and second base. The lone outfielder was center fielder Terry Blocker. Turns out, Bryant knocked a hard grounder under first baseman Gary Roenicke’s glove, scoring Chris Gywnn with the winning run. “I’ve never seen that before,” Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda said. “I don’t see how you can do it. What about a short fly to the outfield?” . . . Steve Sax and Danny Heep extended their hitting streaks Sunday, and pitcher Tim Belcher threw four hitless innings.