He Wasn’t About to Miss This

After pitcher Derek Lowe was hit in the triceps by a line drive Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he didn’t even consider canceling his flight to Boston to participate in the Red Sox World Series ring ceremony.

The Dodgers suggested he skip it. Trainer Stan Johnston treated the injury and asked Lowe, “How seriously do you want to go back there?�

Lowe replied, “Pretty bad.�

And away he went. Lowe was handed a Red Sox jersey before walking onto the field and put it on to the delight of the crowd. He also was quoted as saying to Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, “You’re lucky, you get to play here for the next four years.�

Lowe explained himself Tuesday. Basically, he got caught up in the moment.

“They handed me the jersey as I was walking out there,� he said. “It happened so fast. It would have been worse if I refused to wear it.�

As for his conversation with Varitek, he said, “I congratulated him on his new contract and said, ‘Good luck. It’s a good place to play.’ �

More importantly to the Dodgers, Lowe threw 40 pitches in the bullpen Tuesday and experienced no discomfort. He said he should be ready for his start Friday against San Diego.

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Jayson Werth appreciated the company.

The Dodgers left the outfielder behind to continue rehabilitating his fractured wrist when they left their spring training site in Vero Beach, Fla., but he flew to Los Angeles for an MRI on Monday and was introduced before the home opener with his teammates.

“I’m so happy I’m here,� he said.

He could be several weeks away from coming off the disabled list. He is unable to swing a bat, and even when he is able to do so, he will need at least a week of at-bats in minor league games.

“The MRI definitely shows healing,� he said. “There’s scar tissue and that is causing discomfort.�

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Right-hander Brad Penny is scheduled to pitch five innings in a Florida State League game for Class-A Vero Beach. It will mark Penny’s first appearance in a game since his biceps nerve injury recurred in September.

He will oppose St. Louis pitcher Matt Morris, who also is rehabilitating from an injury.