Pitching updates

Jason Schmidt won't pitch in a Grapefruit League game until after he pitches in a simulated game on the minor-league side, and Joe Torre said he isn't sure when that will be. But Jason remains right on track in his rehab, and if he doesn't suffer any kind of setback (which he hasn't come close to suffering yet), it's tough to imagine he won't be ready to join the rotation by the start of the season. As for spring training, Torre said, ``I don't think it's when he pitches. It's more about how he feels.'' ... Takashi Saito won't make his Grapefruit debut until March 4, when the Dodgers play a day-night split squad, but he will pitch in a minor-league game on March 1. Closers generally need the least amount of appearances of anybody in spring training because they rarely pitch more than an inning during the season anyway. Eric Gagne used to make about eight Grapefruit appearances and call it good.