Jason Schmidt to start for Dodgers Monday vs. Reds

[Onceuponalife]

Man, he hasn't pitched since ...when? Early last season? The Dodgers could use another good arm....I hope this works out, or how many millions have gone down the drain??

[cboy4]

1. No, he's finished. But I'll always hold a special place in my heart for him.

He seemingly always got zero run support when he was with the Giants, and when he did leave with the lead, the bullpen would quickly screw him.

June 2006 vs. Florida

San Francisco Giants pitcher Jason Schmidt, middle with tilted head, gets a victory hug from his teammates after setting the San Francisco record with 16 strikeouts. The effort also tied the club mark set in 1904 by Christy Mathewson.

By Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

[Iggo]

2. I think it was 3 years ago.

Dodger Stadium, versus the Dads. I went to that game. He sucked.

[Onceuponalife]

3. almost time...

By JEFF MEZYDLO, STATS Senior Writer
Jul 19, 9:16 pm EDT

After spending two years recovering from shoulder surgery, Jason Schmidt(notes) finally appears ready to take the mound again for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Making his first start since 2007, the veteran right-hander takes the ball Monday night as the Dodgers look to continue their recent home dominance of the Cincinnati Reds in the opener of a three-game series.

In December 2006, Schmidt signed a three-year, $47 million contract with Los Angeles after winning at least 11 games in six straight seasons, almost entirely with the San Francisco Giants. Since then, however, it’s been a frustrating time for both the 36-year-old Schmidt and the Dodgers.

The former All-Star went 1-4 with a 6.31 ERA in six starts in 2007, with the last coming on June 16 against the Los Angeles Angels. Four days later he underwent exploratory shoulder surgery. When all was finished, Schmidt had work done to repair a labrum tear, a frayed biceps tendon and clean up scarring in the bursa sac.

After a setback during rehab in 2008, Schmidt will finally return to the majors as the Dodgers try to find a fifth starter. Schmidt went 2-0 with a 4.18 ERA in six appearances - five starts - for Triple-A Albuquerque this season.

“We’re going to see what we have,” manager Joe Torre told the Dodgers’ official Web site. “Velocity-wise, we all know he’s not what he once was. He seems to be able to pitch within his ability. Physically, he seems to be OK. We’re all anxious to see what it will be on Monday. It doesn’t matter what I say, we’ll have to look at it.”

Schmidt, who’s 4-2 with a 5.27 ERA in 15 career starts versus Cincinnati, knows what he has to do for a successful return.

“My biggest thing is to get the ball over the plate,” Schmidt said. “That’s the biggest thing I’m fighting.”

He may catch a break against the Reds (44-47), who despite splitting a four-game set with Milwaukee over the weekend have lost nine straight games at Dodger Stadium since a 6-1 victory there July 28, 2005.