BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Worrell Gets a Vote of Confidence

Todd Worrell and Manager Tom Lasorda have met and discussed the closer situation, one that Worrell had concerns about after being taken out of Sunday’s game in the ninth inning. Worrell said Lasorda told him he is still the closer.

“We talked about that and other things,” Worrell said, “but everything is fine. I told Tommy that when I have pitched other places I’m used to staying out there until I got the job done or not. I haven’t been taken out of games like that until I came here, and it’s not something I’m used to dealing with. But Tommy told me that in that situation, he didn’t think I had my stuff, and that’s his prerogative. “

Worrell put the tying and winning runs on in the ninth inning with one out Sunday before Darren Dreifort relieved him and got the final two outs.

Since returning from the disabled list May 23, Worrell has struggled, blowing two saves in five appearances, but says his arm feels fine.

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Brett Butler will miss tonight’s game to be with his mother, Betty, who is undergoing surgery early Thursday morning in Chicago. Butler, who will travel to Chicago today, plans to join the team in Atlanta Thursday evening in time for the three-game series against the Braves, which begins Friday.