Dodgers closer out with elbow injury

LOS ANGELES, July 16 (UPI) -- A sprained right elbow ligament will cause Los Angeles Dodgers closer Takashi Saito to miss at least six weeks.

The team will place the 38-year-old right-hander on the 15-day disabled list, but surgery was ruled out after he was examined Tuesday by team surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache.

"We'll get together with (Manager) Joe (Torre) and come up with a plan," General Manager Ned Colletti said from the All-Star Game in New York on the team's Web site. "Obviously, it is not easy replacing someone like him. We'll know more about what we'll do short-term in a couple of days."

ElAttrache said Saito will attempt to rehabilitate the ailment without surgery.

He left Saturday's 5-3, 11-inning loss to Florida with elbow tightness.

Saito is 3-3 with a 2.18 ERA and 17 saves in 39 games this season.

The closer's role in Saito's absence will be filled by hard-throwing right-hander Jonathan Broxton (2-2, 3.40 ERA in 39 2/3 innings).