Tom Lasorda suffers a mild heart attack, Dodgers say

PHILADELPHIA -- Hall of Fame manager Tom Lasorda suffered what the Dodgers described as a mild heart attack Monday while representing the team at the amateur draft in New York.

Lasorda, 84, received treatment at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. A stent was inserted into a blocked artery in Lasorda’s heart. He was in stable condition Tuesday.

He could be released from the hospital as early as Wednesday.

In a statement released by the Dodgers, Lasorda said, “The doctors confirmed I do bleed Dodger Blue. I’m looking forward to being back at the stadium to cheer on the Dodgers.”

Lasorda works for the Dodgers in an advisory role. He stepped down as manager and moved into the front office after suffering a heart attack in 1996.

Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly said he spoke to Lasorda’s assistant, Colin Gunderson, who told him Lasorda was “feeling great, just tired.”

All-Star-bound?

Matt Kemp visited the MLB Fan Cave in New York on Tuesday, where he learned that he leads the National League in All-Star balloting with 1,952,910 votes. Kemp has received the second-most votes overall, trailing only Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers (2,587,991).

Andre Ethier ranks fourth among NL outfielders, behind Kemp, Carlos Beltran and Ryan Braun. The top three outfielders in each league will start in the All-Star game at Kansas City on July 9.

No other Dodger ranked in the top five at his position.

Kemp, who is on the disabled list for the second time, isn’t expected back until the end of the month, at the earliest. He said he wants to play in the All-Star game.

“I still have to be smart and do what’s best for my team,” Kemp said. “If I’m ready to go, I definitely want to play.”

Mattingly had a surprised look on his face when asked what he thought about Kemp’s playing.

“Playing in it?” Mattingly said. “I hadn’t even thought of that. If he’s playing here first, I wouldn’t mind it at all.”

Kemp was also selected captain of the NL in the home run contest. Kemp is not only scheduled to take part in the event, he is in charge of selecting the NL’s three other contestants.

He wants Ethier to participate.

“I’m making him go,” Kemp said.

Ethier said he will.

“For sure,” he said. “I will give it a try. How many opportunities do you get in your life to do this?”

Javy Guerra has surgery

Former closer Javy Guerra underwent a knee operation for a cartilage tear. He is expected to be sidelined four to six weeks.

Guerra complained of knee pain Sunday and returned to Los Angeles the next day to meet with team physician Neal ElAttrache. Guerra initially injured the knee April 28 while trying to twist out of the way of a comebacker that struck him in the face.

Guerra is expected to resume playing catch in a few days.

Clayton Kershaw is hobbled

Clayton Kershaw has received treatment over the last week for plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the thick tissue at the bottom of the foot. Kershaw isn’t bothered by the condition when he pitches, though it does cause him discomfort when he runs.

On the mend

Third baseman Juan Uribe, who has been sidelined since May 14 because of a wrist injury, will be on a minor league rehabilitation assignment with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga from Friday to Sunday. He could be activated next week.

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