Chris Capuano injury: Dodgers starter leaves game in 3rd inning

Chris Capuano left the Dodgers' game against the Padres after pitching just two innings on Tuesday night, after straining his left calf while covering first base on the last out of the second inning.

Yonder Alonso grounded out to first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to end the second inning, and fed the covering Capuano. After the play, Capuano began hopping around, then limped off the field and went into the clubhouse between innings.

Capuano, making his first start of the season, tried to come out for the third inning but after walking leadoff batter Jesus Guzman team trainers and the coaching staff came to the mound. Capuano was removed after throwing a few warmup pitches. Guzman came around to score, the fifth run allowed by Capuano, including a four-run first inning.

Whoever made up the phrase "you can never have too much pitching" was either wise beyond his or her years, or has a sick sense of humor, or both. Capuano was starting for Zack Greinke, whose collarbone was broken last Thursday in San Diego. The Dodgers entered spring training with eight starting pitchers and if Capuano has to miss any time are now down to five, and that's counting Ted Lilly, who is currently on the disabled list.

Lilly, it should be noted, allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits in five innings on a rehab assignment in Lake Elsinore on Tuesday night for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga.

The good news for the Dodgers is that they have some time to sort out their fifth starter. With pending off days Thursday and Monday, the Dodgers don't need the spot in the rotation again until Apr. 27.