Brown Aces His 30-Pitch Test

VERO BEACH, Fla. -- Kevin Brown returned to the mound Friday, taking his biggest step since reporting to spring training.

The injury-plagued former staff ace, coming off surgery for a herniated disk, threw 30 pitches in his most strenuous activity in three days at Dodgertown. After playing catch and participating in limited workouts, Brown convinced the Dodgers it was time to step up the program, hoping to rejoin the season-opening rotation.

The right-hander doesn’t anticipate problems, but spring training is only getting started.

“It’s all part of a process,” said Dave Wallace, a senior vice president and former pitching coach. “There are certain steps you have to take to find out how he is, and we’re doing that now, but there’s still a long way to go. You’re optimistic, but you still have to wait and see.”

Brown believes he’s right on track.

“Right now, there’s still no reason for me to feel any other way,” he said before his brief bullpen session. “Like I’ve been saying, it’s not about trying to rush to be ready by a certain date, it’s about hopefully being healthy for the whole season. Since no one has told me I can’t be [sound for the entire season], I’m not looking at it like I should have a problem, but we’ll see.”

Seeing Brown, who pitched only 63 innings last season, on the mound again is encouraging to the Dodgers.

“Brownie is one of the best pitchers in the game, he has been for a long time, and he’s a huge part of this team,” catcher Paul Lo Duca said. “It’s just good to see him get going again, because we know what it would mean to us if we can get him back.”

Brown, following a comprehensive exercise program for his back, will be evaluated today, helping Manager Jim Tracy and pitching coach Jim Colborn determine whether Brown should be pushed ahead or pulled back.

“There were no ill effects,” Tracy said of Brown’s first stint pitching off the mound. “Obviously, we’ll know more [today], but I’m not anticipating anything negative.”

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Pitcher Andy Ashby (lower back stiffness) played catch and may resume throwing today.... The Dodgers will play seven-inning intrasquad games Tuesday and Wednesday at Holman Stadium.