Ted Lilly Slowly Working His Way Back

Left hander Ted Lilly is slowly but surely working his way back to the Dodgers. On Wednesday night Lilly pitched a six inning rehab start at triple-A Albuquerque. This was Lilly’s second minor league rehab start. He had one last Friday pitching for the Quakes in Rancho Cucamonga.  

Lilly pitched the second game of a double-header for the Isotopes, and took the loss to the Omaha Royals. Lilly pitched six frames, allowed five runs and made 90 pitches. The veteran left hander allowed eight hits, walked one, allowed a home run, and whiffed five. Lilly threw 67 of his 90 pitches for strikes.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Ted Lilly (29) pitches during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Lilly will probably need one or two more starts, but should be ready to rejoin the Dodgers soon. The results of these rehab outings don’t mean much. Lilly is still trying to rebuild arm strength from a lack of innings and general rustiness back in spring training. For the moment though, he has no defined role with the big club.

The Dodgers came into spring training this season with three extra starting pitchers under contract all without roles. Ted Lilly is one of them, along with fellow left hander Chris Capuano, and right hander Aaron Harang. The three pitchers are called the surplus, and their individual fates continue to be a central storyline throughout the early season.

Goodbye and good luck Big Show!-Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

While Lilly recovers and builds arm strength, and Capuano adjusts to his new role in the bullpen, one of the three starters is already gone, leaving only two remaining. Last week,the Dodgers traded Harang to Colorado for veteran catcher Ramon Hernandez and some cash. Colorado immediately turned around and designated the Big Show for assignment.

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Seattle Mariners have acquired Harang from Colorado for minor league pitcher Steven Hensley and some more cash. We wish the Big Show all the best of luck in Seattle. We’ll always have the nine consecutive whiff game. What will be the fates of the remaining two surplus guys?

It will be interesting to see what happens to the two remaining starters, Lilly and Capuano.