BASEBALL : DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Scioscia Finds He Has Broken Hand

After treating Mike Scioscia’s swollen hand for a tendon injury for the last three weeks, the Dodgers learned that one of the long bones in his hand actually was broken. A bone scan revealed the hidden break, which occured when Scioscia was hit with a foul ball June 25.

Scioscia will continue his treatment and he could return to the lineup Saturday when he is eligible to come off the disabled list.

“A bone scan is the last resort, and the fracture was in a hidden spot,” said Scioscia, who will take batting practice today.

Sources said Dodger officials spoke with Milwaukee Brewer officials again about the possibility of the Dodgers acquiring reliever Dan Plesac.

“As I have said before, I have been looking at the bullpen to see if that’s an area I can possibly help,” Dodger Vice President Fred Claire said. “And with (Jay Howell) out of action, I will continue to look at it.

Kal Daniels is expected to return today after missing three games to attend to his ill mother in Warner Robins, Ga. . . . Tim Belcher volunteered to help the Dodgers out of a pitching jam caused by Sunday’s doubleheader by pitching on three days’ rest Thursday in New York.

Left-hander Steve Searcy, the winning pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies Monday, was a former Detroit pitcher who signed with the Phillies shortly before the game after refusing Claire’s offer of a triple-A contract. Searcy became a free agent Friday after refusing demotion to the minors.