Dodgers' Schmidt Out for Season

June 21, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Nicholas Minnix

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Jason Schmidt (shoulder) is out for the season after undergoing exploratory surgery on his right shoulder, which revealed a torn labrum, fraying in his biceps tendon and an inflamed bursa.

In his last start Saturday, June 16, Schmidt threw just 4 2/3 innings while allowing five hits and three runs. What was more worrying, however, was that Schmidt struggled to reach the mid-80s with his fastball. After the game, Schmidt admitted he hasn't felt like himself, and the stats would back that up.

Since returning from the disabled list Tuesday, June 5, Schmidt has allowed nine runs in 14 2/3 innings. He has also struck out just nine batters. For a pitcher who relies on his fastball as much as Schmidt does, this could be a worrying sign for his owners, as well as the Dodgers. After giving him a three-year, $47 million deal this past offseason, the team has received only a 1-4 record with a 6.31 ERA in return. Schmidt is scheduled to be examined by Dr. Neal ElAttrache Monday.

Chad Billingsley will take over in the rotation for now. He has a 4-0 record with a 3.09 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 35 innings pitched this season. Even more impressive, Billingsley has gone 3-0 with a 1.16 ERA since April 29. Hendrickson or Billingsley would be a decent replacement for your rotation.

The Dodgers appear to have a few good options for their rotation, but what will this mean for your fantasy team? One option to replace him would be Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Jeremy Guthrie. In 16 games (10 starts) so far this season, Guthrie has gone 4-1 with a 2.42 ERA. He also has 56 strikeouts in 81 2/3 innings pitched. Guthrie has also lasted at least seven innings in his last eight starts. He is available in approximately 70 percent of leagues polled.

If you are looking for a National League option, consider Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Sean Marshall. In six starts this season, Marshall has gone 3-2 with a 2.84 ERA. He also has 31 strikeouts in 38 innings pitched. He is available in roughly 82 percent of leagues.

With Schmidt out for the season, go ahead and cut him in non-keeper leagues. The team is hoping he will be ready for spring training next season.

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Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.

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