Dodgers Should Know More on Valdes Soon

The Dodgers are hoping to learn by Thursday how long they’ll be without starting pitcher Ismael Valdes. The right-hander had to leave Saturday’s game against the San Diego Padres after five innings because of a pulled left hamstring. Leading 2-0 at the time, Valdes was credited with the victory, improving to 5-9.

With Ramon Martinez sidelined because of a small tear in the rotator cuff of his throwing shoulder, the Dodgers can ill afford to loser another starter. But at least Valdes’ timing wasn’t bad.

With a three-day All-Star break before the start of Thursday’s four-game series against the National League West-leading San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers don’t have to worry about a fifth starter until next week.

Chan Ho Park and Hideo Nomo have already been announced as the starters Thursday and Friday. It is presumed that Pedro Astacio and Tom Candiotti will start the final two against the Giants.

It will be decision time Monday, though, when the Dodgers open an eight-game trip in Colorado.