Ted Lilly pitched six innings for his second consecutive minor league rehab start on Wednesday night, as he suffered the loss in the second game of a doubleheader for Triple-A Albuquerque.
Lilly threw 90 pitches in his six innings and, just like he did on Friday in Class-A Rancho Cucamonga, he allowed five runs. Lilly allowed a home run to Max Ramirez of Omaha (Royals farm club). Lilly struck out five and walked one, and allowed eight hits.
"I know Rancho is really convenient, but a step up in competition is really good for guys," manager Don Mattingly said on Saturday.
Chris Jackson of the Albuquerque Examiner tells us more from on site:
Final line on Lilly: 6 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 5 ER, BB, 5 Ks. Threw 67 of 90 pitches for strikes. #Topes trail 6-2 going to T7th. Withrow on mound.
— Chris Jackson (@TopesWriter) April 11, 2013
@eephusblue He did all right, the defense just wasn't there behind him early.
— Chris Jackson (@TopesWriter) April 11, 2013
@feelinkindablue @chadmoriyama There weren't a lot of hard hits. Lots of bloopers, bleeders, bouncers, etc. It's really cold here (44).
— Chris Jackson (@TopesWriter) April 11, 2013
There is always the question of just how much results matter in these rehab starts, especially when the sole purpose for Lilly is to build up arm strength after an interrupted spring. But after throwing 90 pitches Wednesday, he's probably close to being ready , or as ready as he is going to be, to rejoin the Dodgers.
But whether it is this weekend or next week after yet another rehab start, the question remains, just what would Lilly's role be, if any.