Al Balderas, of The Orange County Register, reports Los Angeles Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal will be playing shortstop and leading off Wednesday, Oct. 1, in Game 1 of the NLDS.

Rafael Furcal will bat leadoff in Game 1 of the NLDS, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.Furcal bas been bothered by a back injury that required surgery, and though he returned in late September it is a bit surprising to see him in the starting lineup given that he has had just nine AB since May.

Rafael Furcal will start at shortstop and lead off in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Cubs. Jeff Kent, however, will be on the bench in favor of Blake DeWitt. The Dodgers will follow Furcal in the order with C Russell Martin, LF Manny Ramirez, RF Andre Ethier, 1B James Loney, CF Matt Kemp, 2B DeWitt and 3B Casey Blake. Still undecided is whether the last spot on the roster will go to Ramon Troncoso, Scott Proctor or James McDonald.Source: Los Angeles Daily News Related: Blake DeWitt, Jeff Kent

Tony Jackson, of the Los Angeles Daily News, reports Los Angeles Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal (back, leg) is the team's starting shortstop for the NLDS, unless he suffers a setback with his back or leg.

Tony Jackson, of the Los Angeles Daily News, reports Los Angeles Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal (back) could be the team's primary shortstop in the National League Division Series, according to manager Joe Torre.

The Associated Press reports Los Angeles Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal (back) was a late scratch Sunday, Sept. 28, but could start the first playoff game.

Diamond Leung, of The Press-Enterprise, reports Los Angeles Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal (back) is expected to make the team's postseason roster if his back holds up.

Rafael Furcal is in tonight's starting lineup at shortstop and is batting leadoff, according to the LA Daily News.This is encouraging news, but it remains to be seen if he can handle a full game.

Rafael Furcal got the start at shortstop on Thursday and went 0-for-2 before coming out in the fourth inning. The Dodgers are trying to ease Furcal back in after activating him from the DL on Thursday. Chin-Lung Hu took his spot after three innings tonight.

Dylan Hernandez, of the Los Angeles Times, reports Los Angeles Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal said he could be looking to play for a different team next season. He will become a free agent in the offseason. Furcal will be playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic in the offseason as well.

Rafael Furcal struck out as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning on Wednesday, in his first appearance since he went on the disabled list May 6 because of back problems, according to the AP.Joe Torre would like to start Furcal some prior to the postseason.

The AP reports that Rafael Furcal struck out as a pinch hitter in the eighth in his first appearance since he went on the disabled list May 6 because of back problems.Joe Torre would like to start Furcal some prior to the postseason.

The Associated Press reports Los Angeles Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal (back) struck out as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning Wednesday, Sept. 24, in his first appearance since he went on the disabled list May 6 because of back problems.

Furcal, who went on the disabled list May 6 with a lower back injury that required July 3 surgery to repair a bulging disc, has five games to show the Dodgers whether he's ready to help for the first round of the playoffs, assuming they win the National League West. Meanwhile, Penny continues to experience shoulder discomfort, and general manager Ned Colletti said the staff concluded the righty would need to be shut down for four to six weeks for the condition to heal.

News: The Dodgers activated shortstop Rafael Furcal from the 60-day disabled list Wednesday night, making room on their 40-man roster by placing right-hander Brad Penny on the 60-day DL. "In the right situation, we'll look to get him in the field," Dodgers manager Joe Torre said.

Analysis: The switch-hitting Furcal got off to a great start this season, hitting .366 in 32 games before being placed on the disabled list May 6 because of back problems. He hasn't played since, having undergone surgery July 3 to relieve pressure on a disk in his lower back. Furcal should be able to rebound next spring, but his age and injury risk make him less than a top-10 option at his position

The Associated Press reports the Los Angeles Dodgers activated SS Rafael Furcal (back) from the disabled list Wednesday, Sept. 24. The team will look to get Furcal back on the field in the right situation, according to manager Joe Torre.

Dodgers activated shortstop Rafael Furcal from the 60-day disabled list. Furcal isn't in tonight's lineup, and it's unclear exactly what kind of role he's going to have over the last five days. He may start a game or two, but he probably isn't ready to go nine innings.

Rafael Furcal noted that he is healthy enough to return to duty and is ready for whatever the Dodgers want him to do, according to the LA Times. He has recovered from lower back surgery.Manager Joe Torre intends to give him a little bit of action at some point this week, but won't likely get enough at-bats to make him fantasy worthy.

Rafael Furcal (back) said Tuesday that he's healthy enough to rejoin the Dodgers and is "ready for however they want to use me." Furcal hasn't played in four months and manager Joe Torre indicated that he's unlikely to get more than "a little taste" of game action before the regular season ends.Source: Los Angeles Times

Diamond Leung, of The Press-Enterprise, reports Los Angeles Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal (back) is expected to be activated from the disabled list within the next five days.

Rafael Furcal said he's having trouble getting in game shape because his back is still giving him problems. "It's hard for me because one day I'm feeling like I'm ready to go, and when I do a lot of stuff then it takes three or four days to feel better again," Furcal said. "It's coming from that back." Manager Joe Torre said he wants Furcal on the postseason roster, but that's only if he's healthy.Source: New York Daily News

Jim Alexander, of The Press-Enterprise, reports Los Angeles Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal (back) has been slowly progressing in his attempt to return to the team. He could be included on the team's postseason roster if he improves enough, according to manager Joe Torre.

News: According to The Sports Xchange notes: SS Rafael Furcal, still trying to return from back surgery in July, now appears to be a long shot to come off the disabled list before the regular season ends. Manager Joe Torre said he isn't counting on Furcal until and unless the Dodgers reach the postseason, for which Furcal still would be eligible. Torre said he hadn't fully given up on the possibility Furcal could play sooner, but seemed to suggest that with less than two weeks remaining, there probably isn't time.

Analysis: Furcal won't impact any Fantasy leagues in the final weeks, so cut and ignore him if you are not considering him as a potential keeper for 2009. He should be able to rebound next spring, but his age and injury risk make him less than a top-10 option at his position

Manager Joe Torre is not sure if shortstop Rafael Furcal (back, hamstring) will be able to return during the regular season. "It's a slow process," Torre tells MLB.com. "Realistically, to get him into game shape, it might be the postseason, if we're a part of that. His being able to play a significant amount of time is a long shot."Fantasy owners know all too well what a "slow process" it has been with Furcal. We don't expect much, if anything, out of this shortstop over the final weeks.

The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports Los Angeles Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal (back) isn't expected to be activated from the disabled list this week, as manager Joe Torre believes he has to improve his conditioning first. "His back is fine," Torre said. "A lot of what he's nursing now is just a lot of stuff you'd be nursing in spring training. His legs are getting a little heavy right now."

Rafael Furcal, who is recovering from back surgery, is unsure of manager Joe Torre's estimation that he will return to the Dodgers next week, according to the LA Times.He felt uncomfortable while in the batter's box (while facing Takashi Saito) and doesn't want to interfere with the Dodgers' rhythm by returning. Furcal is also dealing with a sore hamstring.

It doesn't appear as though Furcal is anywhere close to returning. He was overmatched by Takashi Saito during Wednesday's simulated game, and the best that he could say afterward was that he felt no pain.

Rafael Furcal (back) said Wednesday that he's unsure about manager Joe Torre's prediction that he'll come off the disabled list next week. Furcal batted against Takashi Saito (elbow) in a simulated game Wednesday, but said afterward that he was uncomfortable because of hamstring soreness.Source: Los Angeles Times

News: Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal, who has been on the DL since May 6 before having lower back surgery, was one of the hitters to face Takashi Saito in a simulated game Wednesday. Dodgers manager Joe Torre said he is hopeful Furcal could return before the end of the regular season.

Analysis: Furcal might return before Fantasy Week 25 (Sept. 15-21), but the plan is to work him back slowly so they don't have a setback. He likely cannot be used outside of the deepest of Rotisserie or NL-only leagues down the stretch

Ken Gurnick, of MLB.com, reports Los Angeles Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal (back, hamstring) participated in a simulated game Wednesday, Sept. 10. Furcal said his rehab has been slowed by a sore hamstring. Manager Joe Torre is unsure if Furcal will be able to join the team if they make the postseason.

Rafael Furcal, who is attempting to return from back surgery, took batting practice for the first and barring a setback could return next week, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.Furcal is also reportedly dealing with a sore left hamstring, and given the ups and downs he has faced this year it's hard to think he won't suffer another setback. However, his addition to the team, if they make the playoffs, could be a huge boost even if he is only available as a pinch hitter.

News: RHP Takashi Saito (elbow) will throw a simulated game Wednesday and SS Rafael Furcal (lower back surgery) will take part in it. Both could be activated by the weekend or early next week.

Analysis: Furcal might return before Fantasy Week 25 (Sept. 15-21), but the plan is to work him back slowly so they don't have a setback. He likely cannot be used outside of the deepest of Rotisserie or NL-only leagues down the stretch

Manager Joe Torre said Tuesday that Rafael Furcal (back) could come off the disabled list next week. Torre indicated that Furcal will be a part-time player once he returns, which isn't surprisingly given that he's been out for over four months with a back injury. He's scheduled to hit against Takashi Saito in a simulated game Wednesday.Source: Los Angeles Times

The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports the Los Angeles Dodgers hope SS Rafael Furcal (back) will be activated from the 60-day disabled list next week when the team plays in Pittsburgh against the Pirates. Furcal hasn't played since early May and continues to recover from back surgery, but he is scheduled to take swings during CL Takashi Saito's scheduled simulated game on Sept. 10.

Ken Gurnick, of MLB.com, reports Los Angeles Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal (back) went through an aggressive workout Sunday, Sept. 7, and was back on the field for more workouts Monday, Sept. 8.

News: According to The Sports Xchange notes: Shortstop Rafael Furcal took groundballs and ran before the game, the most activity he has had at any one time since he underwent surgery on his lower back. He could return at some point in the next few days. Manager Joe Torre has said if Furcal does return, it probably won't be as an everyday shortstop, because he hasn't played for such a long time and club officials don't want to risk another back injury by subjecting Furcal to too much activity, too quickly.

Analysis: Furcal isn't useful for Fantasy Week 24 (Sept. 8-14), but track his progress through the weekend before considering him for Fantasy Week 25 (Sept. 15-21). He could be useful in NL-only formats then

The Los Angeles Times reports that Rafael Furcal (back) "fielded grounders and ran the bases" Sunday. The newspaper notes that it was Furcal's "toughest workout in some time," but there's still no timetable established for his return. "We have to see what happens tomorrow," Furcal said. He's been sidelined for nearly four months.Source: Los Angeles Times

The shortstop took ground balls and ran the bases in the workout. He could be eased into a game towards the end of L.A.'s upcoming road trip, which ends on Sept. 18. Furcal is not expected to start consistently, so his fantasy value could be relegated to NL-only formats.

News: Dodgers manager Joe Torre said Saturday that SS Rafael Furcal could be back by the end of the season.

Analysis: Furcal, who underwent back surgery July 3, is hitting .366 in 32 games. Furcal is a free agent at the end of the season, but he said he wouldn't rush back for the sake of raising his stock. His Fantasy owners wouldn't exactly mind if that's the case, though

The Associated Press reports Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre said he thinks SS Rafael Furcal (back) has a good chance of returning before the end of the season.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Rafael Furcal could be activated in the upcoming week for the Dodgers. He is taking grounders and running full speed.Manager Joe Torre cautioned that nobody should expect him to come back and play every day, given how much time he missed. In the final weeks of September, however, expect Furcal to play enough to have some fantasy impact.

Furcal, who's been out since May 5, said he's 80 to 85 percent better. The shortstop is running full speed, a breakthrough in his rehab that has him on track to return sooner than expected. He batted .366 with five homers, 16 RBIs and eight steals in 32 games before getting injured, so he could be a significant addition down the stretch.

Manager Joe Torre said Saturday that Rafael Furcal could be activated in the upcoming week. Furcal probably won't return to a full-time role during the regular season, but he could be a valuable pinch-hitter and pinch-runner down the stretch.Source: Los Angeles Times

Trainer Stan Conte said Wednesday that Rafael Furcal (back) may still play again this season. On the sidelines since mid-May with an injury that was initially expected to keep him out for a couple weeks, Furcal has been rehabbing his surgically repaired back in Arizona.Source: Los Angeles Times

Michael Schwartz, of MLB.com, reports Los Angeles Dodgers SS Rafael Furcal (back) is feeling comfortable while going through his rehab routines. He will rejoin the team this weekend and will be re-evaluated soon.