Jackson Will Go on Disabled List

The Dodgers plan to put rookie starter Edwin Jackson on the 15-day disabled list today because of a right forearm strain.

Team trainer Stan Johnston recommended the move after the 20-year-old right-hander, removed because of a strained pitching elbow in the Dodgers’ 8-5 victory over the Angels on July 3, continued to experience forearm problems this week.

“I don’t know what to think for sure right now,” said General Manager Paul DePodesta, watching the club’s rookie league team in Ogden, Utah.

“Stan left me a message with the recommendation, and we’re definitely going to be cautious. We’re going to be especially cautious with this player.”

The move, expected to be retroactive to July 9, would clear a spot on the 25-man roster for the Dodgers to activate left-hander Odalis Perez from the disabled list. Perez is scheduled to start today against Arizona after sitting out because of inflammation of the rotator cuff.

DePodesta said he was optimistic about Jackson’s injury because “the MRI came back clean. We don’t believe it’s anything structural, but there are still some things that we need to find out.”

Jackson -- the organization’s 2002 minor league pitcher of the year -- improved to 2-0 with a 3.86 earned-run average after having pitched five innings July 8 in a 7-2 victory over Houston. However, scouts said Jackson’s fastball, clocked at 95 mph earlier this season, topped out at 92 mph against Houston.

Manager Jim Tracy named Jackson as the fifth starter before the All-Star break. Jackson was scheduled to start Monday at Houston, on 10 days’ rest, and it now appears veteran left-hander Wilson Alvarez will take Jackson’s turn.

Many clubs have targeted Jackson in trade talks. Does Jackson’s injury affect the Dodgers’ trade plans?

“I don’t know about that,” DePodesta said. “He’s certainly not a guy I’d be very anxious to trade.”

*

Third baseman Adrian Beltre was not in the starting lineup for the fifth consecutive game because of a right thigh injury.

Tracy said there had been “no discussion” about putting Beltre on the disabled list. Beltre appeared to be in pain while jogging to first base after walking as a pinch-hitter in Thursday’s 4-3 victory over Arizona.

“I just wanted to play, so I came back too early last time,” Beltre said. “Stan said it’s not up to me this time, it’s up to him.”

*

Dave Roberts said Shawn Green has displayed encouraging signs at the plate for weeks.

“His production can be a little bit misleading sometimes,” Roberts said. “I’ll take Shawn Green feeling comfortable and confident over a guy who’s getting a few hits here and there.”