Dodgers’ Andruw Jones Hopes Weight Loss Helps Bulk Up His Hitting

Andruw Jones is among a trio of Los Angeles Dodgers scheduled to begin rehabilitation assignments for Class AAA Las Vegas on Monday, and it is in Sin City where he’ll be debuting a slightly different physique.

Jones has gone on a diet in the month that he has been on the disabled list following right knee surgery and said he now weighs 234 pounds. He estimated that he is about 10 pounds lighter than while he was struggling to a .165 batting average, and club officials believe that might make a difference once he is scheduled to be activated July 18 for the first game following the All-Star break.

The new eating regimen was something Manager Joe Torre encouraged Jones to undergo.

“Sometimes it takes time to turn that metabolism around,” Torre said.

While on the disabled list, Jones spent time watching videotape of his swing and said he has more balance now that the torn cartilage has been repaired in his back leg. Family members also came out to Southern California to offer support when at first he wasn’t yet able to perform baseball activities.

“I’ve been home eating,” Jones said. “They feel like this is retirement.

“I need to keep my mind straight (in Las Vegas). I’m not on vacation.”

Jones is scheduled to play in Las Vegas for 12 games, and returning to Los Angeles for three days while the 51s are on the road. Rafael Furcal (back) and Nomar Garciaparra (calf) are scheduled to join Jones in Las Vegas on Monday.

Jones and Furcal are expected to switch off at designated hitter. And with Furcal on his way back, Garciaparra will play mostly third base and first base.

Jason Schmidt is also scheduled to throw about 45 pitches for Las Vegas tonight in his first rehab start since May 31.

“If we don’t win in Class AAA, that manager’s in a lot of trouble,” Torre joked.

- Diamond Leung, Press Enterprise