Danley released from hospital

Everything sounds good, but he isn’t going to be on the field today. Other than that, nothing new so far, and no lineup so far. Dodgers looking to complete their first three-game sweep of the season, but the Rockies have their ace going in Jeff Francis. … Was leaving the ballpark last night, and when I got to Top of the Park, there was a spectacular view of the big fire up in the Angeles National Forest. I stood and watched it for a while, and it really gave you a sense of how big it was. Hope there wasn’t too much damage. The sky is still a little hazy off in that direction, and I’m guessing it’s smoke from the fire rather than smog because it seems to be clear everywhere else. Other than that, it’s a beautiful day at the yard, going to be in the 90s. Perfect day for a ballgame.

Umpire expected to be released tonight

They are still awaiting some test results on Kerwin Danley, but apparently he is going to be released from the hospital tonight. Not sure if that means he’ll be on the field tomorrow — I’m going to guess not — but this is really good news considering how bad it looked on the field a few hours ago. Thanks to Josh Rawitch, the Dodgers’ PR chief, for the update.

Dodgers 11, Rockies 3

Good news on Kerwin Danley, the home plate umpire who was immobilized and carted off in an ambulance in the fourth inning when Russell Martin apparently got crossed up on a pitch from Brad Penny and missed the ball, resulting in it hitting Danley in the jaw. He was taken to a local hospital for a precautionary examination, and the fact the word “precautionary” was used is a really good sign. That’s probably as much of an update as we’re going to get. Danley is a Los Angeles native and attended Dorsey High School. … The boys exploded for 10 runs in the first inning, sending 13 batters to the plate. The amazing thing is, Rockies starter Mark Redman STAYED IN THE GAME, wound up pitching six innings and didn’t give up another run. That saved Clint Hurdle from having to wreck his bullpen, and Jose Capellan, called up earlier today from Colorado Springs, ate up the final two innings. … Dodgers got a sac fly and a grand slam, all in the first inning, from Matt Kemp, who had never hit a grand slam and who came into this game 1 for 17 in his career with the bases loaded. After that first inning, when the Dodgers led 10-2, the game pretty much devolved into a fast-paced series of one-two-three innings, and the Dodgers only other run scored on a pinch-hit single by Delwyn Young in the seventh. Brad Penny, who went seven strong innings for the Dodgers, was the only Dodgers player who had two hits in the game. … Dodgers go to 11-13 and have a chance to complete their first three-game sweep of the season starting tomorrow. They actually gained a game in the standings because San Diego beat Arizona. Dodgers now in second place alone, six behind the Snakes.

Nomar to DL, DeWitt back up … and tonight’s lineup

Was talking to Ned and Rick Monday by the water coolers when DeWitt came over to get a drink. Ned said, “I told you you’d be back.” Blake just laughed. Said he spent one night in the hotel in Las Vegas after arriving at 3 p.m. on Friday, then played in the game that night (he went 1 for 2 with a double, three walks and three runs in a 12-11 win over Portland), after which all the players gathered in the lounge to watch the rest of the Dodgers game on TV. When Nomar got hurt, Lo Bundy, the 51s’ manager, told Blake, “You better stick around for a while,” or at least that’s what Blake said. Anyway, the inevitable call finally came, and here he is, back in the majors after a two-day absence.

Here’s tonight’s lineup

SS Furcal
LF Pierre
RF Kemp
2B Kent
C Martin
1B Loney
CF Jones
3B DeWitt
RH Penny

Another day, another (hopefully) nine innings

Juan Pierre is taking bunting practice on the field, with Rob Flippo pitching tohim. Chin-lung Hu is down there too, standing between the mound and first base and using his bat to try to stop the balls JP is hitting so no one will have to walk very far to pick them all up later. … Now Hu is getting into the cage himself, also to bunt. … No news so far, but I’m guessing it’s DeWitt back up and Nomar to the DL, based on what it sounded like last night. Padilla covering again tonight.