Werth Injury May Be More Serious

PHOENIX —  Left fielder Jayson Werth is on his way to Los Angeles, but not to join the Dodgers for their home opener. Trainer Stan Johnston said Werth’s injured left wrist will be examined Monday by Dr. Robert Chandler, a trauma specialist working in the Kerlan-Jobe physician group.

Werth broke a tiny bone in his wrist more than a month ago when he was hit by a pitch and he has had daily treatment at the Dodger spring training complex in Vero Beach, Fla.

The wrist still bothers him so much he cannot swing a bat, leading the Dodgers to worry that the injury is more severe than believed. Werth batted .262 with 16 home runs in 89 games last season and was expected to be the regular left fielder this year.

Rookie Jason Repko has played three games in left field since Ricky Ledee played there on opening day.

*

Brad Penny threw 70 pitches in five innings against Dodger minor leaguers Friday at Vero Beach and was sharp. He threw 15 pitches in each of the first four innings -- recording four outs each inning -- and threw 10 pitches in the fifth.

Penny, who is recovering from a biceps nerve injury, is scheduled to pitch Wednesday in a Class-A Florida State League game.

Left-hander Wilson Alvarez, who is also rehabilitating in Vero Beach, threw 40 fastballs in the bullpen Friday. He will throw in the bullpen Sunday or Monday, then is expected to make three or four relief appearances in Class-A games in one week before joining the Dodgers.

*

The pitcher on the disabled list whose recovery is most essential is closer Eric Gagne, who has a sprained elbow. He will not even play catch until “he is completely asymptomatic,” Johnston said.

A silver lining is that the minor knee injury that slowed Gagne’s progress during spring training has had a chance to heal, Johnston said.

*

Reliever Giovanni Carrara, who pulled a hamstring opening day, should be available today.... Outfielder J.D. Drew is hitless in his first four games as a Dodger, going 0 for 17 with five strikeouts.