<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Jason Schmidt took the biggest step yet in his comeback from June shoulder surgery, throwing 40 pitches to hitters off the Dodger Stadium mound Friday. Schmidt also threw another 30 pitches in the bullpen, moving him closer to a minor league rehab assignment, the next major hurdle he'll have to negotiate before rejoining the Los Angeles Dodgers' rotation. "What we set out to do was accomplished," said Dodgers trainer Stan Conte, who has refused to put Schmidt on a strict timetable. "We'll see how he feels tomorrow. And then we'll set up the new schedule. It's been a long road, so I kind of take this hour by hour." Schmidt, who was 1-4 in six starts before his surgery in 2007, declined to speak with reporters, but Manager Joe Torre shared Conte's optimism, saying the 35-year-old right-hander tested his full repertoire of pitches.</div> Los Angeles Times Great news since our 5th spot in our rotation is bad with Kuo and loiaza.
