KUO MAKES SPRING DEBUT IN “B” GAME FOR DODGERS

The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to bulk up their bullpen this spring, making Kuo Hong-chih’s first mound appearance in a “B” squad game against the Chicago White Sox more important than usual. The 27-year-old native of Tainan, Taiwan hurled a scoreless inning against the ChiSox last Monday, and said he felt fine. The lefty has had elbow problems the past few years, usually the day after he pitches. Dodgers manager Joe Torre said Kuo’s curveball needs work, but that he was spotting his fastball effectively.


Kuo pitched 80 innings for the Dodgers last year, posting a 2.14 ERA out of the bullpen, but missed the National League Championship Series. He pitched for Taiwan in the 2002 Asian Games, but has since undergone four elbow surgeries.