Elmer

Dessens

Dessens hasn’t pitched since July 10 but kept his arm in shape by throwing Tuesday.

Dessens had been nagged by illness since Thursday.

Dessens made $4 million last season, so he’s not a candidate to be offered arbitration. The Rockies are also looking at him as a reliever.

The team is considering calling up Chris Capuano to replace Dessens on Tuesday.

Dessens will make his first start since he was banished to the bullpen on May 11th. Since that time, Dessens has pitched well as a reliever (2.37 ERA in 19 games) and is deserving of another chance to claim a rotation spot. Andrew Good, who was bombed Saturday, will pitch out of the Diamondbacks’ bullpen for now.

He was hit in the leg by a line drive but stayed in the game. Manager Bob Brenly said it’s just a bruise. Dessens could pitch his way back into the rotation since the D’Backs have no guarantees after Randy Johnson and Brandon Webb. It’s a shame they can’t or won’t acquire any pitching, because their offense can do some things. Danny Bautisa and Chad Tracy have been nice surprises, as has the power surge by Steve Finley and Luis Gonzalez. And Richie Sexson returns today.

Arizona will recall Edgar Gonzalez from Triple-A Tucson to start tomorrow afternoon against the Astros. The promising rookie right-hander made his season debut against the Dodgers in June with less than ideal results (six runs and eight hits in four innings pitched) but remains and interesting prospect. Dessens has not pitched well this season (1-6 with a 5.43 ERA), and now is experiencing shoulder soreness.

Dessens has allowed one run in seven innings as a middle reliever since joining the Dodgers.

Dessens should be ready to be activated from the disabled list when he is eligible on Aug. 18.

Dessens might be put on the disabled list on Monday so that the Dodgers can make room on their roster for Jeff Kent.