Gagne Could Be Out Several More Weeks

The Dodgers do not expect closer Eric Gagne to return before the All-Star break and would not be surprised if he cannot return for several weeks thereafter.

“We’re back to square one,” trainer Stan Johnston said Monday.

The time frame does not reflect a setback so much as a tempered assessment of a pitcher who has as many elbow operations as innings pitched -- two -- since last June. The nerve pain that forced Gagne back onto the disabled list two weeks ago has subsided only in the last two days, Johnston said.

If Gagne remains pain-free, he could start a throwing program this weekend, Johnston said. That program would include what Johnston called “a very slow progression” from playing catch at gradually longer distances to pitching off flat ground and then off a mound, probably followed by a minor league rehabilitation assignment.

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In commemoration of the Dodgers’ first visit to Minnesota since the 1965 World Series, the Twins staged two ceremonies on Monday -- one at home plate of the old Metropolitan Stadium, which was otherwise demolished to make way for the Mall of America, and one at the Metrodome, into which the Twins moved in 1982.

Outfielders Lou Johnson and Willie Davis represented the Dodgers. Johnson hit a home run in Game 7 at Metropolitan Stadium, a 2-0 victory in which Sandy Koufax pitched a three-hitter and struck out 10. Koufax pitched on two days’ rest, after pitching a four-hitter and striking out 10 in Game 5.

Johnson and Davis agreed that Koufax’s performance could not be duplicated today because no team would use a starter on two days’ rest. If a team asked, Johnson said, the starter would call his agent immediately.

Johnson and Davis also said no one worried about pitch counts back then.

“Some guys had 100 pitches after three innings and still finished the game,” Johnson said.

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Odalis Perez will start Wednesday in place of Brett Tomko, who strained his left side in his last start. Tomko missed his scheduled throwing session Monday, received three hours of treatment and could be headed for the disabled list.... J.D. Drew was the designated hitter Monday and could be again Wednesday, Manager Grady Little said. Olmedo Saenz will be the DH tonight and play first base Wednesday, when Nomar Garciaparra will get the day off.... Johnston said third base prospect Andy LaRoche will try to rehabilitate his shoulder injury without surgery. LaRoche, who suffered a slight tear of the labrum 12 days ago, has responded to rest and has begun a throwing program.