Gagne Goes From Knee Sprain to Flu

Closer Eric Gagne has flu, the latest setback in his spring progress.

A minor knee sprain he suffered Feb. 25 has nearly healed and he was on the verge of throwing a bullpen session when he got sick. The Dodgers say they aren’t concerned because Gagne typically takes it slow during the spring. His first appearance last year came March 9.

“He wouldn’t have shown up in a game yet anyway,” Manager Jim Tracy said. “It’s too early.”

*

Dodger players and coaches grumbled for weeks about the two-day trip that would send the team on a 3 1/2 -hour bus ride to play the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Boston Red Sox.

Their worst fears were realized Wednesday when the game against the Devil Rays was rained out shortly after the Dodgers arrived at Progress Energy Park. A different busload of Dodgers was scheduled to travel from Vero Beach to Fort Myers to play the Red Sox today.

Tracy was left to juggle the roster to give as many players as possible a chance to get into today’s game. Some players -- including regulars J.D. Drew, Milton Bradley and Cesar Izturis -- turned right around and returned to Vero Beach.

Edwin Jackson, the scheduled starter Wednesday, and Scott Erickson, the scheduled starter today, will pitch against the Red Sox.

*

Hideo Nomo, released by the Dodgers last season after posting an 8.23 earned-run average in 18 starts, is struggling to catch on with the Devil Rays. Nomo has given up eight hits and six runs in four spring innings.

His fastball was clocked in the mid-80s Tuesday when he surrendered two home runs against the Detroit Tigers.

“He’ll get another start, and let’s hope it’s better than this one,” Manager Lou Piniella said.

*

Second baseman Jeff Kent will sit out Friday’s game to attend to personal business....Catcher Paul Bako is day to day because of a bruised left hand....The annual Community Job Fair will be held at Dodger Stadium on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Last year, the fair attracted about 2,500 job seekers and 140 employers.