Dodgers LHP Milton heads to DL with back injury; DeWitt up from Triple-A

Milton on DL, DeWitt recalled from Triple-A

LOS ANGELES — Veteran left-hander Eric Milton was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday because of tightness in his back.

The 33-year-old Milton pitched 4 1-3 innings on Friday night against Philadelphia and allowed eight hits and three runs, one of which was earned. He did not complain to manager Joe Torre of any discomfort after the game.

The Dodgers signed Milton as a minor league free agent on Feb. 10, after he spent an entire season out of the big leagues while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

He is 2-0 with a 2.89 ERA in four starts.

The Dodgers won’t need a fifth starter again until June 20, because of three off days in the calendar between now and their interleague series with the Angels in Anaheim. Right-hander Eric Stults, whose sprained thumb forced the Dodgers to recall Milton, is expected to resume his starting role when he comes off the 15-day DL. He is eligible on June 15.

Infielder Blake DeWitt was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque to fill the Dodgers’ vacant roster spot. He appeared in 117 games, playing mostly third and second base, with the Dodgers last season and batted .264 with nine homers in 52 RBIs.