Buehler to rest sore ribs; timetable uncertain

LOS ANGELES -- At a time when two of the Dodgers' most promising pitchers could be needed, they could shelved for a decent period of time.
Right-hander Walker Buehler, who exited his start against the Braves on Friday after experiencing discomfort in his ribs, will be rested for at least the next few days, according to manager Dave Roberts.
Buehler (4-1, 2.63 ERA) was hit by a 108-mph line drive by Rockies shortstop Trevor Story on May 21, but he remained in the game. Despite feeling slight discomfort after the incident, he made three more starts. On Friday night, he was pulled after 5 1/3 innings when Roberts noticed the rookie's mechanics begin to falter.
Buehler underwent a CT scan and X-rays, both of which came back negative and revealing no fracture.
"Our timetable with Walker, right now, is really wide open," Roberts said, "because we don't want to jeopardize anything if we can with certain things."
Buehler, 23, said he's not sure if he will be placed on the disabled list, adding he wants to return to contribute to the team's run at the National League West title. The Dodgers, winners of six of their last seven games, entered Saturday 1 1/2 games behind the D-backs for the division lead.
"I think it's kind of up in the air at this point," Buehler said of his status. "I'm not too worried about it. I don't think it's anything long term that's going to affect me; it's just a matter of getting it right."
Buehler's potential loss compounds the deactivation of right-hander Dennis Santana, who was placed on the 60-day disabled list Saturday with a torn rotator cuff.
Santana, who was called up to the Majors for the first time in his career on May 30, notched a winning decision in his lone career start at Colorado on June 1. According to Roberts, the 22-year-old is not expected to need surgery.

"It was something with the back of his shoulder," Roberts said of Santana's injury. "He couldn't spin his slider. It just wasn't coming out. He was trying like heck to make this start, so he was very disappointed. I think it's one of those things where he's not going to pick up a baseball for a few weeks and we'll sort of assess from there."
Buehler and Santana are the latest members of the Dodgers' pitching staff to be affected by injuries. Veterans Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill, Hyun Jin Ryu, Kenta Maeda, Tony Cingrani and Tom Koehler were each already on the disabled list entering the weekend.
Hill throws simulated game
Despite recent losses to the staff, however, the Dodgers could be line to add a key veteran back to their active roster soon.
Hill, who hit the 10-day disabled list May 20 because of a blister on his finger, threw a four-inning simulated game Saturday.
The left-hander fired 60 total pitches, and afterward said he was pleased with his mechanics and overall performance. Hill added that his blistered area held up without a cover, which he deemed a final test on his path to returning.
"I think [the next step] would be games here," Hill said. "Major League games."
Roberts, who closely observed the sim game, said Hill must throw a 75-pitch session in a controlled environment before being called on to make a start for the club.
"We have to make sure we're sure of ourselves that he can make a start," Roberts said. "I think that pitching uncovered was a big step in the right direction."
Maeda could return soon
Maeda will throw a bullpen session Sunday. According to Roberts, if the bullpen goes well, Maeda would be reactivated.
Maeda was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a hip injury on June 7.
Corcino called up
Right-hander Daniel Corcino was called up to the Dodgers' roster Saturday.
Corcino, 27, has started six games this season between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City in 14 total appearances. He's posted a 3-1 record with a 2.22 ERA across 44 2/3 innings.
"We got him activated for length today," Roberts said. "Don't know how long it will be. Just expect him to pitch well and provide coverage."
Turner expected back Sunday
Third baseman Justin Turner will be available to pinch-hit Saturday and is expected to return to the Dodgers' starting lineup Sunday, according to Roberts.