Update: Brad Penny

Brad Penny will not pitch in today's simulated game, confirmed the Los Angeles Times. The hurler recently experienced discomfort after throwing from the mound on Wednesday. He will need more time than Hiroki Kuroda to return to the Dodgers' starting-rotation.

Penny is eligible to come off of the Disabled-List as early as next week. Yet, the hurler is in no shape to return. He cannot even face batters at this stage in the game. Despite being scratched from today's simulated game, Penny will throw some pitches to a catcher.

Update: Hiroki Kuroda

Hiroki Kuroda is expected to return to the Dodgers' starting-rotation on Tuesday or Wednesday. The injured hurler was scratched from yesterday's simulated game due to a stiff-neck. Hopefully, his return to the mound will not be delayed further.

Kuroda has another simulated game scheduled for later today. His performance in the start will truly determine whether or not he is ready to return from the Disabled-List. Since the Dodgers are not yet ready to demote ace, Eric Stults, Kuroda will serve as the extra-man in their rotation upon his return.

Injury Update: Hiroki Kuroda

The Dodgers starting rotation has been plagued by shoulder injuries. Both starters, Brad Penny and Hiroki Kuroda, are suffering from a similar condition. However, Kuroda's return to the rotation looks more promising than Brad Penny's return. Penny is expected to be out of action until after the All-Star Break.

Hiroki Kuroda's game of catch was cancelled on Saturday as a, "precautionary measure." Thankfully, the Dodgers do not want to rush his return and cause any unwanted long-term ramifications. As the Dodgers have learned through investments in players such as Nomar Garciaparra, long-term injuries can be truly devastating to an organization.

Kuroda is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Wednesday. Then, based on his performance, the Los Angeles Dodgers will decide whether or not to activate him from the Disabled-List. If the Dodgers feel that he is not yet ready to return, they will likely give Chan Ho Park another spot-start on Saturday. It would be beneficial to give Park an additional start and keep Kuroda fully-rested for his return.

Troncoso Promoted

The Los Angeles Dodgers will give relief pitcher, Ramon Troncoso, another chance in the Majors. Troncoso made the 2008 Opening Day roster, but surrendered six runs in only 5 2/3 innings of work. The Dodgers thought he needed more seasoning in the Minors.

On April 17th, the relief pitcher was sent down to Triple-A, Las Vegas. Pitching in 22 games, the right-hander won four games and and achieved an ERA close to five. Throughout his career, primarily in the Minor Leagues, the 25-year-old has had a tendency to give up a plethora of earned-runs.

With Chan Ho Park slated to start today's game for the injured-Hiroki Kuroda, the Dodgers could use some help in the bullpen. By having Park in the Starting-Rotation, Los Angeles has a major gap in their bullpen. Troncoso, they believe, could fill that gap.

Update: In tonight's game against the Cleveland Indians, Troncoso gave up one hit in 2/3's of an inning. Chan Ho Park pitched five innings, striking out nine batters and surrendering only one earned-run.

Kuroda Hits the DL

The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed right-handed hurler, Hiroki Kuroda, on the 15-Day Disabled-List. The rookie has been recently suffering from a case of tendinitis in his right shoulder. Hopefully, this injury will not be serious and haunt the 33-year-old pitcher throughout his career.

Chan Ho Park is expected to be the starting-pitcher for tomorrow's game against the Cleveland Indians. In Park's only start for the Dodgers in 2008 thus far, he surrendered one run in four innings of work. He should be able to pitch about six innings tomorrow.