Brown’s Season Is Over Early

Another season ended prematurely Monday for ailing pitcher Kevin Brown, whose back problems prompted the Dodgers to shut down the frustrated former staff ace who was struggling to revert to form.

“I really haven’t had a chance to help the guys out,” said Brown, sidelined in September last season because of a torn muscle in his pitching elbow. “Obviously, what I was hoping for was to get back this season, get healthy, get back in the rotation and help the guys down the stretch. That hasn’t been the case.”

The Dodgers made the move because Brown, who underwent surgery for a herniated disk in his lower back June 11, did not respond as well as hoped after starting Sept. 10 against the San Francisco Giants at Pacific Bell Park. Brown continued to experience back pain and was reexamined by specialist Robert Watkins last week, undergoing an MRI test during the procedure and receiving an epidural injection.

Although Brown’s condition did not worsen, Manager Jim Tracy said the right-hander did not progress enough “to continue to send him out there.” Tracy and General Manager Dan Evans informed Brown of their decision in a lengthy closed-door meeting in Tracy’s office before the opener of a four-game National League wild-card-race showdown at Dodger Stadium.

Kevin Beirne, who made his second big-league start last Friday, is scheduled to take Brown’s spot in the rotation Wednesday against the Giants. Beirne may return to the bullpen after Wednesday as the Dodgers reevaluate their options, though they acknowledge they don’t have many.

“We have no choice,” Tracy said of shutting down Brown.

Kazuhisa Ishii is sidelined for the rest of the season after being struck by a line drive and having a titanium plate inserted into his head, Brown is out again and the Dodgers are just trying to keep it together.

“The best scenario was that he was on his way back to being close to Kevin Brown, and that he could give us some help at the end, but it hasn’t worked out that way,” pitching coach Jim Colborn said. “It’s ... it’s just disappointing, and I mostly feel sorry for him as an individual.

“He’s gone through so much pain and stuff for the last couple of years. It’s just unfair to any human being to go through that.”

Brown has been on the disabled list six times in the last three seasons, including twice in 2002 because of elbow problems. His back problem occurred during a stint on the 60-day list.

Brown, activated from the disabled list Aug. 15, worked out of the bullpen until Ishii was injured, rejoining the rotation against the Giants. He gave up six hits and five runs in five innings, but the Dodgers were not disappointed under the circumstances.

But Brown, who returned to Los Angeles after the game to meet with Watkins, informed team trainer Stan Johnston of his discomfort Sunday. While flying back with the team from Denver, Evans and Tracy decided that they had reached the end of the road with Brown for now, sources said.

The Dodgers said they did not rush back Brown in spring training.

“Everything we did from the first day of spring training forward, we did with the consultation of our medical staff, and there’s no regrets whatsoever,” Evans said.

But where do Brown and the Dodgers go from here? He will be 38 in spring training, is still owed $45 million and is coming off numerous injuries. Brown has won only 13 games the last two seasons.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I’m just going to do what I can do.”