Manny Ramirez did not return to Dodger Stadium today. He apologized to his teammates on the road in Florida last week but is expected to rejoin his teammates to work out and also address the media at some point. Hiroki Kuroda threw 45 pitches in a simulated game, and he said he felt as good as he did before he got hurt. Joe Torre said that he’s likely to have a rehab start this weekend, and Torre would like for him to have at least two rehab appearances before he returns to the Dodgers. Casey Blake (hamstring) was scratched from the lineup tonight. Juan Castro will start at third. Torre said Blake would probably be available tonight. Eric Stults (sprained thumb) is 50-50 to make his start Wednesday. If he can’t pitch, Jeff Weaver will take his spot on Wednesday.
Mario Lopez is throwing out the first pitch tonight.