Injury City

Jeff Kent left today's game against the Astros with sore back.  Unfortunately there's not a lot to make fun of Kent for, except the mustache.  He's 40 years old and has started to hit again, so if this is long term, it hurts the Dodgers.  Nomar Garciaparra could replace him on the roster and in the lineup if Kent has to go on the DL.  

The Rockies lost ace (I guess) Jeff Francis to the DL with shoulder inflammation.  Fortunately for NL hitters, he'll be back pretty soon.

Moises Alou will take a few more days off before beginning his rehab assignment.  His return should really give the Mets a boost (Not).

Hideki Matsui won't be back until at least the All-Star break and may be out for the season if his knee does not improve.

The Mets lost second baseman Luis Castillo to the DL with a hip problem.  He'll be replaced by Damian Easley, who was decent in 1993.

Pirates closer Matt Capps is out two months.  He was a candidate to be traded, so now teams wishing to take advantage of the Pirates will have to look elsewhere.

Andy LaRoche Eyed as Jeff Kent Replacement

With Jeff Kent's batting average fallen more than 30 points this month, The Dodgers are comtemplating making room for prospect Andy LaRoche at second base.

Manager Joe Torre was reported by The Los Angeles Times as having discussed moving LaRoche to second base intermittently because Kent is missing time with spinal pain, and because LaRoche has some experience there. The team wants to find playing time for LaRoche in order to shore up offensive shortcomings.

LaRoche -- a third baseman -- appears to have lost his position at least for now to Blake DeWitt, who has been hot since LaRoche went down with a thumb injury. LaRoche has since returned to action for Triple A Las Vegas, where he is being tried at first base with the idea of spelling mildly slumping James Loney once LaRoche returns to Los Angeles.

Torre also mentioned LaRoche as a possibility playing the outfield.