Dodgers Schmidt Out for Season?

When the Dodgers signed Jason Schmidt to a three year deal, worth 47 million dollars, they thought they were getting a top of the line veteran, who would have the advantage over every team because he pitched in the same division with the Giants. But when they came into Spring Training, and he could only hit 87 on the radar gun, the team was a little suspicious. When they came into the season, he struggled, going 1-2 with a 7.36 ERA in three starts. Then, complaining of shoulder problems, they placed him on the DL. Still complaining of shoulder problems, the Dodgers may consider shoulder surgery, and shut him down for the season. If they shut him down for the season, it is obviously a waste of nearly 16 million dollars. However, Schmidt hopes to get on a rehab program to regain some strength. "At a certain point, I'll start the rehab from a strength standpoint," said Schmidt. "I'd like to rush it as fast as I can, but I'm not at the point to do that." But the Dodgers won't pitch him in anything until the pain goes away, and there is still no timetable for his return. So now the Dodgers must wait, and hope that the veteran Schmidt, 34, can come back strong and anchor the Dodgers rotation.