Zach Lee cleared to resume throwing, expected to return in 2-3 weeks

LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers pitcher Zach Lee was diagnosed with poor circulation in the middle finger of his right hand, but will begin a throwing program on Friday and is expected to return to pitching in competitive games in two to three weeks, the team announced on Thursday.

Lee last pitched for Triple-A Oklahoma City on May 29, leaving his start after three scoreless innings and 40 pitches, despite allowing only one hit. At the time the decision was downplayed by OKC manager Damon Berryhill, but Lee was placed on the disabled list on June 4.

The Dodgers say Lee developed irritation in his right middle finger, described earlier this month by manager Don Mattingly as a tingling feeling. As the feeling in the tip of Lee's middle finger persisted, he was sent to Los Angeles for a series of diagnostic tests.

Lee will begin his throwing program at the Dodgers facility at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz. on Friday, and is expected to be able to pitch in competitive games at some point in early July.

Lee is 5-3 with a 2.38 ERA in 10 starts for Oklahoma City this season, with 44 strikeouts and 12 walks in 56⅔ innings.