Gagne Is Put on DL, Feels ‘Helpless’

With pain still flaring from a nerve in his right elbow, closer Eric Gagne will visit a neurologist today for a consultation that could include additional tests and result in new treatments.

The Dodgers put Gagne on the disabled list Tuesday and activated infielder Jeff Kent.

Gagne, who has not pitched in a week, said a five-day course of anti-inflammatory medication eased but did not eliminate the discomfort. Stan Johnston, the Dodgers’ trainer, said that when he taps the irritated nerve, pain radiates to Gagne’s hand.

“It’s beyond frustration,” Gagne said. “I feel helpless.”

Gagne said he is “not really” nervous about today’s examination, noting previous tests have ruled out ligament and bone damage. “We’re 99% sure it’s the nerve,” he said.

Johnston said he expects Gagne to sit out a minimum of another two weeks. He said he did not consider Gagne’s season in jeopardy but said the pitcher cannot return until the irritation subsides.

“I don’t think he can pitch effectively with this,” Johnston said.

For now, the closer will be rookie Takashi Saito, 36.

“How many bullets he’s got left in his arm, we’re not sure,” Manager Grady Little said of Saito. “But we like what we see.”

General Manager Ned Colletti said he sees no trade possibilities, at closer or any other position. “There’s nobody out there available that intrigues me enough to pursue,” Colletti said.

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The Dodgers plan to option catcher Dioner Navarro to triple-A Las Vegas when he completes his minor league rehabilitation assignment.

Navarro opened the season as the starting catcher but went on the disabled list six weeks ago because of a bruised wrist and rookie Russell Martin won the job in his absence.

Navarro batted .280 with two home runs in 25 games, and did not throw out any of 16 runners trying to steal. Martin is batting .304 with four home runs in 32 games, and has thrown out eight of 17 runners.

The Dodgers won’t keep three catchers -- Martin, Navarro and veteran Sandy Alomar Jr. -- because none can play another position.

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Chad Billingsley, the Dodgers’ top pitching prospect, will make his major league debut Thursday. The Dodgers returned Joel Guzman to Las Vegas to make room for Billingsley, who was 6-3 with a 3.95 earned-run average for the 51s.

The Dodgers bullpen now includes veterans Odalis Perez and Jae Seo, who started the season in the rotation.

“Our rotation has been inconsistent,” Colletti said. “We’ve had some real good performers and some that haven’t measured up. It’s time to give Billingsley an opportunity. He’s earned the chance.”