Haren in line to make next start, despite struggles

LOS ANGELES -- Right-hander Dan Haren had another rough outing Friday in an 8-2 loss to the Cubs, but as of now the Dodgers are still planning to start him Wednesday against the Angels.

"As I sit here today, Danny goes," manager Don Mattingly said Saturday. "I guess anything could change. You don't know what could happen between now and then. There's no plans, no talk of changing."

Haren allowed seven runs (six earned) on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings Friday, earning his fifth straight loss. Haren has a 10.03 ERA in that five-game losing streak, allowing 36 hits and six home runs in 23 1/3 innings. Opponents have hit .340 with a 1.016 OPS in that stretch.

After going 5-3 with a 3.28 ERA in his first 11 starts, Haren has going 3-6 with a 6.52 ERA in has last 11.

With spot starter and long reliever Paul Maholm going on the disabled list Saturday with a season-ending ACL tear, the Dodgers don't have a clear alternative to start in Haren's place. Right-hander Red Patterson made a spot start earlier this season, allowing one run in 4 2/3 innings, but he's 4-7 with a 5.70 ERA at Triple-A Albuquerque. Right-hander Zach Lee, the team's No. 6 prospect and first-round pick in 2010, is 6-10 at Triple-A with a 5.22 ERA.

The Dodgers could make a move before Wednesday, but there might not be an option better than Haren. Mattingly joked after Friday's game that the Dodgers could start catcher Drew Butera, but he isn't stretched out enough.

"Obviously, you still think Danny can pitch," Mattingly said. "Obviously, he hasn't been that great lately. Probably Danny is feeling worse than anybody.

"We know we're going to get everything Dan has every time out. And that's what I appreciate about him. Is that still good enough at this point? Right now, he's starting."