Izturis ‘Shocked’ He Needs Surgery

Cesar Izturis hadn’t had chronic pain. He had no idea the injury originated at 13. So accepting the diagnosis that he needs Tommy John surgery on his right elbow was understandably difficult for the Dodger shortstop to accept.

“Everybody is surprised, especially myself,” he said. “I was shocked. I saw two doctors, and they agreed.”

Izturis will have surgery Friday and isn’t expected to play until July. He is on the disabled list because of lower back pain, and when he began playing catch last week complained of tenderness in his elbow.

“Every time I stopped throwing, then started up again, it would hurt,” he said. “This time it was worse.”

*

Despite the solid all-around play of Oscar Robles, the Dodgers won’t say he will be the shortstop until Izturis recovers. That much was apparent when Manager Jim Tracy launched into a long explanation of how much he likes Robles without making a commitment.

“I’m very comfortable with the fact that Oscar Robles is a guy who can definitely be counted on in some capacity,” Tracy said. “As to exactly where he fits and can fit, exactly when and how, you allow things to take place and see how the landscape looks.

“He’s a baseball player, and a darn good one. He knows how to play the game.”

Robles’ ascent from Mexican League obscurity to a key role with the Dodgers has been astounding. However, he isn’t staking his claim to the position.

“Right now I’m just concerned with finishing strong,” he said. “I feel bad for Izzy. He’s a nice guy who works hard.

“For me, I accept the challenge and I’ll be ready. But if they bring in somebody else, I can respect that too.”

*

The Dodgers open the 2006 season with three home games against Atlanta, followed by a trip to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The season ends with three games at San Francisco.

A major departure from this season’s schedule is that September will not be booked almost exclusively with intradivision games. The Dodgers will play Milwaukee, the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs on the road from Sept. 4-14, and play three home games against Pittsburgh Sept. 19-21.

Interleague home series are scheduled against the Angels (May 19-21) and Seattle (June 20-22). Interleague road series are against Oakland (June 16-18), Minnesota (June 26-28) and the Angels (June 30-July 1).