Mark Ellis missed two games due to an illness this week, and was replaced by Nick Punto in the lineup.

That’s for in case you were wondering why Punto was ever in the lineup to begin with. Though to be fair, he did do well in his limited playing time.

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Shane Victorino was scratched from Wednesday’s game with recurring wrist pain.

Oh well, he’s basically the unholy combination of Bobby Abreu and Tony Gwynn Jr. at this point anyway.

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Luis Cruz left Saturday’s game with a headache.

If he wasn’t so loved, I’m sure some idiot would say he’s soft for sitting out while the Dodgers are still alive in the playoff race, or some garbage like that. Josh Hamilton and Percy Harvin know what I mean.

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Chad Billingsley has continued to show improvement in his light throwing sessions.

His progress is probably going to be the story of the month unless the Dodgers somehow make the playoffs. Whether or not he needs Tommy John surgery is going to have a gigantic impact on 2013 and whether pitching is a priority for the Dodgers during the offseason.