Jason Schmidt, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers

April 25, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By David Wysocki
Edited by Ryan Dodson

Three years, $47 million and a first place standing can make a few people get a little worried when something goes wrong. It took 34-year-old Los Angeles Dodgers starter Jason Schmidt (shoulder) just three starts into his three-year deal to land on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation.

Schmidt, who has pitched 200-plus innings five times in his career, hasn't missed significant time since 2001, when he only started 25 games. One of his best assets was his reliability and his ability to be an ace of an above-average staff in a competitive division.

Out of the gates in 2007, he has struggled with a 1-2 record and an ERA of 7.36. He has pitched just 11 innings in three starts and his WHIP sits at 2.00. For a Dodgers team that was looking for that anchor, Schmidt's struggles and injury have some a little worried. The velocity on his fastball seems to also be missing in action. However, Schmidt has struck out 13 batters in his 11 innings of work.

Table: Jason Schmidt's 2007 Starts

Date	Opponent	Decision	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K
4/4	@Mil	W	5	3	1	1	0	3	5
4/9	Col	L	4	7	4	3	1	0	6
4/14	SD	L	2	7	6	5	2	2	2

The 6-foot-5 righty was placed on the 15-day DL retroactive to April 15, meaning he will be eligible to get back on the field on April 30. It's doubtful the Dodgers would rush him back considering they have an arm in the bullpen, lefty Mark Hendrickson, to step in for him for the time being. Hendrickson struggled mightily in 2006 and has a 37-47 record with a 5.04 ERA in his career. He does have 120 major league starts, however, and has shown signs of decency. Hendrickson is 1-0 with a 1.62 ERA, a 0.66 WHIP and 13 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings.

All is not horrible with Schmidt, so don't panic yet. On April 22, Schmidt told the L.A. Times that he has felt a "definite improvement" since going on the DL. Whether this is complete truth or just trying to calm nerves is yet to be seen, but with his strong track record it wouldn't be crazy to believe he can get healthy and return to his San Francisco Giants form.

As far as fantasy goes, keep Schmidt on the bench until you are sure he is healthy. If you see more of the same upon his return, there may be trouble in Hollywood. Hendrickson won't be a good replacement as he is an average pitcher, and with options like Cincinnati Reds starter Kyle Lohse available, he doesn't make sense. Giants starter Matt Morris (3-0, 2.49 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) may also be an option after a good start to the season.

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David Wysocki

David has been a KFFL writer since 2005. He is a San Diego native and a History and Geography student at California State University-Chico. He has a writing background and has appeared in, and helped produce, various local newsletters and magazines on sports and music. He also pitched for the No. 2 nationally ranked Rancho Buena Vista Longhorns his senior year of high school in 2002.

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