Michael Schwartz, of MLB.com, reports Los Angeles Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal (back) will work out with the team this weekend. He missed his 100th game of the year Wednesday, Aug. 27. Manager Joe Torre is still hoping that Furcal can return before the end of the season.

Rafael Furcal's rehab from back surgery has exceeded the estimated recovery period, and the Dodgers have lost hope of getting the shortstop back on a full-time basis this season, according to the LA Times.The Dodgers actually might not get Furcal back at all this season, but the best-case scenario (according to skipper Joe Torre) is for Furcal to regain enough strength to share playing time with Nomar Garciaparra.

Ken Gurnick, of MLB.com, reports Los Angeles Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal (back) has started baseball related activities, according to manager Joe Torre.

Rafael Furcal's agent said Wednesday that his client would like to re-sign with the Dodgers. "They're definitely the No. 1 choice," agent Paul Kinzer said. "This wasn't their fault or our fault that [Furcal's back injury] happened. If this hadn't happened, we probably would have something done by now. If we get a fair offer, we'll have something done by then. He's not necessarily saying he has to test the market." In the final season of a three-year, $39 million contract, Furcal is hoping to return next month after being sidelined since mid-May.Source: Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Times reports Los Angeles Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal and his agent have expressed a desire to stay with the club following the 2008 season.

Ken Gurnick, of MLB.com, reports the Los Angeles Dodgers have a 36-41 record without SS Rafael Furcal (back). When Furcal was in the lineup earlier this year the team went 18-14.

Ken Gurnick, of MLB.com, reports Los Angeles Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal (back) said he is hopeful that he can return to the team by Sept. 1, when rosters expand. He has been undergoing physical therapy and said he feels much better. However, Furcal will not begin baseball activity for another two weeks.

Rafael Furcal said Saturday that he has begun throwing and swinging motion exercises. It's the first baseball-related activity he's done since undergoing back surgery in early July. Manager Joe Torre said he expects Furcal back next month, possibly September 1. "I'm progressing every day and progress is progress," Furcal said. "I don't want to come back, feel something and not play again for a while."Source: Los Angeles Daily News

Rafael Furcal said Saturday that he has begun throwing and swinging motion exercises. It's the first baseball-related activity he's done since undergoing back surgery in early July. Manager Joe Torre said he expects Furcal back next month. "I'm progressing every day and progress is progress," Furcal said. "I don't want to come back, feel something and not play again for a while."Source: Los Angeles Daily News