Change of plans: Schmidt to start his rehab

Right-hander Jason Schmidt, who signed a three-year, $47 million free-agent contract with the Dodgers in December and now has been on the 15-day disabled list for the past six weeks with bursitis in his right shoulder, will NOT throw a simulated game sometime on the Dodgers' current road trip to Washington, Pittsburgh and San Diego, Instead, the decision was made to fast-forward him straight to his minor-league rehabilitation assignment, which will begin on Wedesday at Single-A Inland Empire, which hosts Rancho Cucamonga at noon that day. There is no preset plan for how many innings or pitches Schmidt will throw, and there still is no timetable for his activation. The limit on minor-league rehabs for pitchers is 30 days, so it could still be a while. Trainer Stan Conte, who stayed back from the road trip, and general manager Ned Colletti will be there to watch Schmidt. If you're interested in attending, the 66ers play at Arrowhead Credit Union Park, which is at 280 South E Street in San Bernardino. For ticket info, call (909) 888-9922