Kazuhisa

Ishii

Ishii will start today’s game against Arizona, focusing on consistency and concentration in his delivery.

If the Giants win the first two games, Odalis Perez will start Sunday.

Ishii is 3-0 over that stretch. “Right now, you would like to see Kazuhisa continue to pitch the way he has been,” Tracy said. “Then there doesn’t have to be any talk or thought about an alternative plan.”

He will make his next scheduled start Saturday against the Cardinals.

It probably has less to do with a newfound confidence in Ishii, and more to do with the fact Edwin Jackson isn’t ready to return, and Elmer Dessens and Duaner Sanchez were used heavily in relief Sunday. Still, Ishii isn’t a bad fantasy option against the Expos this week.

Ishii only managed to throw 49 of his 96 pitches over five innings for strikes, but somehow struck out seven with three hits and one earned run allowed. Ishii has a nice 3.21 ERA, but is on pace to walk 118 this year, so it’s doubtful his ERA will stay that low. He has some value in strikeout leagues, but pitching for the offensively-challenged Dodgers, his win totals aren’t gonna be exciting.

If Ishii emerges with no problems, he will rejoin the rotation next Thursday.

Ishii is expected to be activated from the disabled list to start Thursday.

Ishii said he has changed his windup so his elbow and knee no longer touch and altered his follow-through so his lead leg no longer is as stiff. If the changes seem to lead to better control this spring, Ishii would be someone to move up on draft lists.

Ishii was placed on the DL yesterday with a sprained MCL.