Gagne Is on DL, but Search Is for a Starter

Even as the Dodgers ponder the prospect of summer without closer Eric Gagne, General Manager Paul DePodesta said the acquisition of a starting pitcher remains his priority in trade talks.

The Dodgers put Gagne on the disabled list Wednesday, but team physician Frank Jobe deferred until next week a decision on whether to recommend surgery for the partially torn ligament in Gagne’s right elbow.

Jobe reviewed Gagne’s MRI exam results and concurred with the original diagnosis but scheduled another MRI exam -- this one with dye injected into the elbow -- for Tuesday in Los Angeles. By using the dye, and by waiting a week for swelling to subside, Jobe should get a more definitive assessment of the severity of the tear.

“I’m nervous, a lot,” Gagne said. “I’m real nervous.”

The possibility of season-ending surgery is unsettling, he said, but not as much as the wait to find out.

“It is the worst,” he said. “You want to know what’s going on.”

Although the relief corps now includes three rookies and seldom-used veteran Scott Erickson, DePodesta said he is confident in the Dodgers’ bullpen depth, citing Franquelis Osoria (two games of major league experience) and triple-A reliever Steve Schmoll.

“We certainly wouldn’t leap to do anything there,” DePodesta said.

DePodesta said the Dodgers’ six major league scouts were watching potential acquisitions Wednesday. Potential targets included Cincinnati’s Aaron Harang, Colorado’s Joe Kennedy, Toronto’s Ted Lilly, Detroit’s Mike Maroth and Pittsburgh’s Mark Redman.

“We continue to have conversations every day, but I certainly wouldn’t say anything is imminent,” DePodesta said.

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The Dodgers sent longtime prospect Edwin Jackson to double-A Jacksonville. He had a 3-7 record with an 8.62 earned-run average at triple-A Las Vegas, including seven walks in three innings Sunday, his last appearance.

“His stuff hasn’t gone backwards at all,” DePodesta said. “Sometimes, you need to make a move to get someone back on track.”

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Shortstop Cesar Izturis did not play, because of a recurrence of tightness in his right hamstring. “In a couple days, I’ll be ready,” Izturis said.... The Dodgers activated pitcher Elmer Dessens. D.J. Houlton will start Friday, with Dessens or Derek Thompson starting Saturday.... Outfielder Milton Bradley (torn finger ligament) still can’t swing without discomfort and probably won’t return this week.... Bench coach Jim Lett coached third base in place of Glenn Hoffman, who collapsed on the field during batting practice after a line drive by Olmedo Saenz hit him on the side of the head. Hoffman walked off the field under his own power; a CT scan showed a mild concussion but no major concerns. “I’m just a little loopy,” he said.