Brown Not Expected to Miss His Next Start

The Dodgers said pitcher Kevin Brown will remain on his regular schedule despite muscle stiffness in his pitching shoulder.

The right-hander was forced to leave in the eighth inning of Friday’s 5-3 loss to the Angels after experiencing discomfort. Brown said the problem began last week, and club officials feared the worst.

But team physician Frank Jobe said Brown should be fine after examining him before the Angels’ 6-2 victory Saturday at Dodger Stadium.

Jobe expects Brown to make his next scheduled start Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium.

Brown, who Jobe said does not need a MRI exam, will undergo therapy and be monitored the next few days. He will be reevaluated after throwing in a bullpen session Monday.

“He probably won’t miss a start because he doesn’t really have pain. . . . It’s more stiffness,” Jobe said. “The reason that’s significant for him is that he usually doesn’t have any stiffness, like most pitchers do, the day after he pitches. Maybe he’s becoming human now.”

Brown missed three starts earlier in the season because of a broken right little finger, but he has not been on the disabled list because of arm trouble in his 12-year career.

Brown doesn’t apply ice to his shoulder after games, but said he will until it improves.

“I’m satisfied that it’s just stiffness,” said Brown, 8-3 with a 2.52 earned-run average. “We should be able to get it worked out in the next couple of days.”

There had been confusion about when the problem began.

Manager Davey Johnson said Brown mentioned something to a team trainer during the trip before the All-Star break but Johnson wasn’t informed because Brown declined treatment.

Brown thought he could overcome the minor irritation. Moreover, Brown wanted to pitch in Tuesday’s All-Star game at Atlanta.

He walked three in an inning at Turner Field, and struggled Friday against the Angels. Had Johnson known about the stiffness, he would have asked Brown not to pitch in the All-Star game.

However, Johnson isn’t upset.

“That’s just the way they [players] can kind of talk to trainers,” Johnson said. “If it’s not serious enough for them to get treatment, I’m not going to hear about everything going on. I’m not going to get a life history.”

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Injury/illness updates: Catcher Todd Hundley plans to resume taking batting practice and throwing today, if his injured right thumb cooperates. The switch-hitter, sidelined because of a hairline fracture, said his injury is healing well. Hundley has not thrown since the All-Star break. . . . Center fielder Devon White expects to be activated before the club begins a 10-game trip July 24. White has been on the disabled list since May 5 because of a partially torn left rotator cuff. . . . Second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, sidelined because of a viral infection, began eating solid food again Saturday, Johnson said. The Dodgers hope he will return to the lineup Monday.

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How desperate are the Dodgers for another starter? They recently sent a scout to evaluate Tampa Bay Devil Ray right-hander Steve Trachsel, who is 6-9 with a 4.51 ERA. . . . The Dodgers also sent a scout to Colorado this weekend to report on Cincinnati Red shortstop Barry Larkin. General Manager Kevin Malone is trying to acquire the all-star, who can become a free agent after the season. . . . Backup catcher Chad Kreuter completed an eight-game suspension. He is eligible to play today.