The Dodgers have set their post All-Star break starting rotation, beginning Friday in Arizona:

• Clayton Kershaw
• Hiroki Kuroda
• Ted Lilly
• Chad Billingsley
• Rubby De La Rosa

Manager Don Mattingly noted Billingsley's history against the Giants (Billingsley is 7-4 with a 3.01 ERA against San Francisco in his career) and that Arizona has many left-handed bats (47.5% of their PA have come from left-handed batters, compared to 43.1% for San Francisco) as reasons for having Lilly pitch in Arizona rather than San Francisco.

Billingsley and De La Rosa will each have nine days rest in between starts, but Mattingly said it wouldn't be a problem as each pitcher has a throwing schedule during the break. In addition, the team is mindful of De La Rosa's workload. Rubby pitched 110 1/3 innings last season, and has thrown 85 2/3 innings so far this season.

The schedule is also flexible enough -- four consecutive Thursdays off beginning with July 21 -- that the Dodgers can maneuver the rotation based on matchups as needed.

Barajas Almost Ready

Catcher Rod Barajas will play his fourth and final rehab game today with the Class A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. He will be designated hitter for the third time in four days. Mattingly said Barajas has passed every test from trainer Stan Conte, and even scored from first on a play. "We had to check what happened to the left or right fielder on that play," Mattingly joked. Barajas will be reevaluated Thursday when the Dodgers hold a full team workout in Phoenix, and will likely be activated on Friday.

Castro Retires

Juan Castro, the four-time Dodger who was signed by the club as an amateur out of Mexico in 1991, has retired after 17 major league seasons. The former shortstop will join the vast cadre of special assistants under GM Ned Colletti, working in baseball operations and player development, evaluating at both the major and minor league level. "Juan was a consummate pro as a player," said Colletti. "The opportunity to add him to our staff as someone who can both recognize and teach those traits is a true plus for this organization."

Castro signed with the Dodgers three different times in the past three seasons. He was designated for assignment on June 6 when the Dodgers promoted Dee Gordon.

Lineups

Game Time: 1:10 p.m.

TV: Prime Ticket

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