Jason Schmidt 2008: Coming Soon! | Dodger Daydreams

Jason Schmidt of the Los Angeles Dodgers has released the framework of his rehabilitation plan. The 35-year-old hurler is recovering from right shoulder surgery. Schmidt hopes to return to Los Angeles' Starting-Rotation by June.

The former-Giants' ace has a reputation for striking out batters with his flaming fastball and stellar slider. However, Schmidt usually throws too many pitches in each performance and walks batters frequently. Only pitching in six games last season, the former All-Star is now only a potential candidate for the fifth spot in the Dodgers' starting-rotation.

Jason Schmidt plans to throw a simulated game tomorrow.He participated in a Live Batting Practice session last Friday and threw an additional thirty pitches in the bullpen. Despite his absence in the news, Schmidt has been strengthening his pitching arm and preparing for his rehabilitation assignment.

Joe Torre said, "He did everything he was supposed to do. [But] we're not making any long-range plans. We'll see how he comes through. He hasn't had any problems." The Dodgers' manager isn't making any promises for his return but keeping a close eye on Schmidt's activity.

After his simulated game, the Dodgers' pitcher intends to spend a month in the Dodgers' minor-league system. This component of his proposed plan should provide the pitcher with the training needed before he jumps up to the Major League-level, similar to Spring Training. He needs to get back into the "groove," of things.

Hopefully, Jason Schmidt's minor league rehabilitation assignment will not be delayed. The Dodgers are going to pay him over $15 Million in 2008. It would be a shame if he earned all of that money without making a decent performance for the Dodgers in the 2008 Regular Season.

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