--RHP Jason Schmidt, who still hasn't pitched in a major-league game since undergoing major shoulder surgery almost two years ago, is tentatively scheduled to begin a minor-league rehabilitation assignment Tuesday at high Class A Inland Empire. 

Although the Dodgers are the clear class of the National League West with a lineup that is even more productive than it was predicted to be and a rotation, bullpen and bench that have all come through for the most part, one concern is injuries. 

Struggling lefty Hong-Chih Kuo finally returned to the mound Friday night at Colorado, and although manager Joe Torre had hoped to find a meaningless, middle-innings situation to ease Kuo back in, Torre ultimately didn't have that luxury. 

TheDodgers' starting lineup hits for power and scores a lot of runs. 

Colorado Manager Clint Hurdle said the Rockies concede nothing to theDodgers, but he's nonetheless impressed with theDodgers' early-season prowess. 

Colorado Manager Clint Hurdle said the Rockies concede nothing to theDodgers, but he's nonetheless impressed with theDodgers' early-season prowess. 

Brad Ausmus doesn't balk at his backup role. 

A big reason why the Los Angeles Dodgers have yet to lose against the Colorado Rockies this season is the production they are getting from the top of their batting order. 

Astros update 

Chad Billingsley is off to the best start for a Dodgers pitcher in seven seasons. 

A week into the season, the question was how soon Manny Ramirez would stop walking so much and get some good pitches to hit. 

As his players hurriedly packed to leave town,Dodgers Manager Joe Torre sat in his clubhouse office Thursday night and said simply: 

Although the Dodgers are the clear class of the National League West with a lineup that is even more productive than it was predicted to be and a rotation, bullpen and bench that have all come through for the most part, one concern is injuries. 

After recording his second five-out save in the past week, ending Thursday's game with the tying run in scoring position, closer Jonathan Broxton said the key to his success this season has been his newfound ability to slow the game down in his mind no ma 

--LHP Hong-Chih Kuo appears to have made progress with his mechanics and his release point, which Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt said Kuo had lost during his two most recent appearances, when he struggled and failed each time to last a full inning.