Dodgers notes: Brandon Beachy throws simulated game, Brandon League 'slow & steady'

LOS ANGELES -- Brandon Beachy pitched three simulated innings on Friday night at Dodger Stadium before the Dodgers hosted the Padres in the opener of a three-game series. Beachy remains on a conservative pace with his rehab, which might put him ahead of several injured Dodgers.

Beachy warmed up in the Dodgers bullpen, then threw three simulated innings, around 15 pitches each, with hitters Joc Pederson and Kiké Hernandez batting against him.

It was the second simulated game for Beachy, who also faced hitters on Saturday.

Beachy is recovering from his second Tommy John surgery, and last pitched in a competitive game on Aug. 20, 2013, for the Braves. Though he is making progress in his rehab, there are no plans as of yet for Beachy to begin a minor league rehab assignment.

"Just moving forward, that's the main thing for him," manager Don Mattingly said. "He's moving in the right direction."

Notes

Brandon League threw a bullpen session when the Dodgers were in San Francisco, and will probably throw another one this weekend. Mattingly said League still has not thrown at maximum velocity, and called his rehab "slow and steady."

Another question was asked about dropping Jimmy Rollins, hitting .197/.279/.340, from second in the batting order, and Mattingly reached a new level of artistry with his answer.

"At some point you'd have that conversation, making decisions on what's best for the club," Mattingly said. "When we get there, that's what we'll do."

Rollins is batting second on Friday night, his 35th start at shortstop in 41 games this season. The last 17 of those starts have some batting second after 18 starts leading off.