Dodgers expect Lilly to return soon

NEW YORK -- The Dodgers are looking at Ted Lilly's most recent injury as one that he should be able to return from relatively soon, manager Don Mattingly said.

Lilly was placed on the 15-day disabled list on June 9, retroactive to June 5, with a neck sprain, and he received an epidural injection June 11.

Mattingly said Lilly is rehabbing in Los Angeles and has resumed throwing, but the skipper was unaware if Lilly had thrown a bullpen session. The Dodgers don't consider him an option to pitch Sunday's game in San Diego, for which they are now scrambling to find a starter because of the disruption to the rotation caused by Tuesday night's rainout at Yankee Stadium.

The Dodgers also announced that Scott Elbert underwent Tommy John surgery on June 7 and is out for a year.