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Dodgers rumors: Ted Lilly decision pending

The Dodgers have a decision to make regarding Ted Lilly.

USA TODAY Sports

Update: Lilly has now agreed to make another rehab start, reports Buster Olney of ESPN.

The Los Angeles Dodgers will have to make a decision on what the future holds for left-hander Ted Lilly -- who recently declined to continue his minor league rehab assignment. Manager Don Mattingly told reporters -- including Ken Gurnick of MLB.com -- that Lilly didn't like the plan the Dodgers recently laid out for him.

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The Dodgers felt like -- from a baseball standpoint -- Lilly wasn't ready to do what they wanted him to do, according to Mattingly. Rather than move forward with Lilly as their replacement for injured right-handed starting pitcher Zack Greinke, Los Angeles instead inserted Chris Capuano into the rotation.

Los Angeles was hoping for Lilly to make two more starts in the minors. However, the veteran has declined the assignment -- declaring himself healthy and ready to return -- and Mattingly said it's now "out of my hands."

"We laid out a plan and Teddy doesn't want to be part of the plan. It's out of my hands. We didn't feel he was ready to pitch at the Major League level. For me, it's a baseball decision. It's nothing personal in any way, shape or form. We're giving him our baseball thoughts, what we think is best for him and the team."

Lilly began the year on the disabled list in order to build up his arm strength. There's question about his usefulness out of the bullpen, not only because he's been a starter throughout his career, but also because of the delicate nature of his shoulder. At this point, the Dodgers will have to decide whether to designate him for assignment, release him, trade him or add him to their active roster.

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