Saito Out Six Weeks

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Takashi Saito has reportedly been diagnosed with a sprained ligament in his right elbow and will be out for six weeks.

The Daily News reports that the Dodgers will reevaluate Saito after the six-week rehab period to determine whether he will return this season.

Dodgers General manager Ned Coletti said the team does not plan to make a move before the July 31 trade deadline to acquire a closer.

“We’ll get together with Joe and come up with a plan. Obviously, it is not easy replacing someone like him. As far as trading for a closer, its a lot like trying to acquire a shortstop - it’s a premium position and most teams don’t carry an excess. We also have candidates within the staff. Many times closers are discovered in times like this. We’ll know more about what we’ll do short-term in a couple of days. And we’ll know more about Saito’s status as the rehab develops.”

Jonathan Broxton is expected to serve as the closer while Saito is out, with Hong-Chih Kuo moving into the setup role.

Saito will be placed on the 15-day DL immediately and a corresponding roster move will be made on Friday.