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Updated at 5:43 p.m., Wednesday, June 20, 2007

MLB: Dodgers' Schmidt has season-ending surgery

Associated Press

TORONTO — Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Jason Schmidt had season-ending shoulder surgery today and is not expected to return until spring training 2008.

"We knew he hadn't been throwing well," general manager Ned Colletti said. "It's been a concern for a few starts. Obviously it's a disappointment. We'll just have to figure out how to make it better."

Schmidt went 1-4 with a 6.31 ERA in six starts.

Dodgers trainer Stan Conte said Schmidt had surgery to repair an inflamed bursa, a torn labrum and a frayed biceps tendon in his right shoulder.

The torn labrum is considered the most serious aspect of the surgery, performed in Los Angeles this evening.

Schmidt, who signed a $47 million, three-year contract as a free agent during the offseason, was placed on the disabled list in April because of bursitis in his shoulder after going 1-2 with a 7.36 ERA in his first three starts.

Following a 45-game absence, Schmidt returned June 5 and threw six shutout innings in San Diego, consistently reaching 89 mph and topping out at 91 mph.

But the 34-year-old right-hander didn't perform nearly as well in his last two starts, and his velocity was down. He allowed three runs and five hits in 4 2-3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday, walking four and striking out two.

Schmidt admitted after Saturday's game that he was still not at full strength.

"I just haven't felt like myself," he said.

Schmidt was placed on the disabled list Monday and utilityman Marlon Anderson was activated from the disabled list to take his place on the roster.

Right-hander Chad Billingsley (4-0) will start in Schmidt's place against Toronto tomorrow.