Plans for Penny May Change

The Dodgers said they might change course with pitcher Brad Penny, who could start as soon as next Wednesday against the San Diego Padres.

Manager Jim Tracy had planned to ease in the right-hander, who last started Aug. 8, having Penny work out of the bullpen once he was activated from the disabled list.

However, Tracy has considered altering the plan because Penny was so impressive Tuesday while throwing 55 pitches in live batting practice.

Penny might throw as many as 70 pitches in a simulated game Friday at Coors Field before the Dodgers open a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies. If Penny remains pain-free after that test, he will probably be activated and start against the Padres.

The Dodgers are confident Penny has recovered from the nerve problem in his pitching arm that has sidelined him almost six weeks, and eager to determine whether he can still be their playoff ace despite a long layoff.

“I could see the potential for him being involved in the San Diego series, and I will not rule out the possibility of him starting a game if he does OK on Friday,” Tracy said. “The pitches will be built up to the point where you could seemingly get 75-85 pitches out of him.”

Penny said he’s ready to return.

“I’ve had a lot of rest and my arm feels pretty good,” he said. “A lot of times you can throw a fastball hard, but it’s not the live fastball. Yesterday, I felt like it was live.

“I’m going to do whatever they want me to do, and they’re not telling me a lot, but I want to get back out there. As long as I go out and make pitches, I’ll be all right.”

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Adrian Beltre was out of the lineup Wednesday because of soreness on his left side and left foot.

Beltre said the problem on his side occurred during batting practice Tuesday before a 6-3 victory against San Diego. He fouled a pitch off his foot in the game.

Trainer Stan Johnston recommended Beltre, who leads the major leagues in home runs, sit out and receive treatment.

“I felt it in batting practice and had to stop, but I wanted to play today,” Beltre said. “Trace and Stan wanted me to relax it for one day because they don’t want it to get worse. I don’t think it’s that bad.”

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An MRI exam and X-ray of pitcher Jose Lima’s right thumb were negative, the Dodgers said. Lima took a line drive off his thumb Tuesday.