Injured Dodgers closer Saito out at least 6 weeks

[July 16, 2008]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Dodgers closer Takashi Saito will be sidelined until at least late August with a sprained elbow ligament in his pitching arm.

Saito, 38, was diagnosed Tuesday by team physician Neal ElAttrache, who has ruled out surgery for now. Saito is headed for the 15-day disabled list and will rehabilitate his right arm for six weeks, then be reevaluated, the team said.

He is 3-3 with a 2.18 ERA in 39 appearances. Saito has 17 saves in 20 chances.

General manager Ned Colletti said it is difficult to replace a closer.

"As far as trading for a closer, it's a lot like trying to acquire a shortstop -- it's a premium position and most teams don't carry an excess," Colletti said from the All-Star game in New York.

Manager Joe Torre said Sunday that Jonathan Broxton would be the team's closer until further notice. But Torre was unsure who would take over for Broxton as setup man.

Broxton said he's ready for his new role.

"I just look at it like it's the eighth inning. I come out and get outs," Broxton said. "It's no different for me."

Saito, an All-Star last year, had his ninth-inning stint Saturday night against Florida cut short because of tightness in the elbow.

[Associated Press; By MIKE HARRIS]

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