Ashby’s Season Probably Over

It appears Andy Ashby’s time with the Dodgers has ended because of a nerve problem in his pitching elbow.

Ashby, who recently had complained about elbow soreness, has been sidelined since last Wednesday after an MRI exam revealed inflammation. Ashby returned to Los Angeles after Monday’s 10-3 victory over Arizona to be reexamined by team physician Frank Jobe, Manager Jim Tracy said.

Ashby underwent a CT scan Tuesday and is scheduled Thursday to undergo a more extensive MRI exam, in which dye would be injected into his elbow to provide a clearer picture of the injury.

Because of Ashby’s elbow injury, Tracy said the right-hander probably “won’t pitch again the rest of the year.” Ashby is in the final season of a three-year, $22.5-million contract, and the Dodgers do not plan to re-sign him.

He underwent season-ending elbow surgery after making only two starts for the team in 2001. Ashby was bumped from the rotation at the end of last season because of blister problems and expressed frustration about being demoted to the bullpen coming out of spring training this season.

Ashby made 12 starts, but lost to Wilson Alvarez in a battle for the fifth spot in the rotation. On Aug. 27, Tracy said Alvarez would be a full-time starter for the remainder of the season and Ashby would pitch only in long relief.

Ashby, who has a salary of $8 million this season, went 3-10 with a 5.18 earned-run average in 21 appearances.

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Cesar Izturis has filled in well atop the order while Dave Roberts recovers from neck stiffness.

Izturis is nine for 25 (.360) -- including Monday’s five-hit game -- with six runs on the trip. Could the smooth-fielding shortstop become an everyday leadoff hitter?

“I won’t rule it out,” Tracy said. “He’s pretty capable of doing anything he wants. That’s how good he is.”

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The Diamondbacks accused the Dodgers of stealing signs in the third inning of Tuesday’s 4-1 victory.

While the Dodgers batted around in the inning against Randy Johnson, Arizona second baseman Junior Spivey told the Dodgers to stop stealing signs.

“I don’t know exactly what he meant,” said Adrian Beltre, among those warned when he arrived at second. “He mentioned some people, but I don’t know exactly what he meant. I said, ‘What are you talking about?’ ”

Said Arizona Manager Bob Brenly: “We just wanted to alert [Beltre] to the fact that if he was stealing signs, it would behoove him to stop it.”

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Arizona right-hander Curt Schilling is doubtful to start Thursday because of neck stiffness. Schilling also has been slowed by a groin injury.