Hong-Chih Kuo has sore elbow, will sit out All-Star games in Taiwan

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Dodgers pitcher Hong-Chih Kuo and a sore elbow seem forever intertwined now, though not exactly in a good way.

Kuo’s had four operations on his left elbow, including two Tommy John surgeries, so you figure it probably hurts all the time.

And it’s hurting a little more now.

Kuo complained of elbow pain to team trainer Stan Conte during an examination Tuesday and will be forced to sit out Major League Baseball’s All-Star exhibition games in Taiwan on Nov. 1-6.

Kuo had been throwing in preparation of the exhibition games in his homeland, but Conte shut him down. Dodgers spokesman Joe Jareck said Kuo is scheduled to be examined by team physician Neal ElAttrache on Wednesday.

‘He’s out and disappointed about it, too,’ Jareck said.

Kuo, 30, sat out six weeks early in the 2011 season because of a second bout with anxiety disorder. He finished 1-2 with a 9.00 earned-run average and two saves. This followed a remarkable 2010, when he established a team record-low 1.20 ERA and finished the season as the team’s closer.

A frustrated Kuo talked about possibly retiring at the end of last season, though his willingness to pitch in Taiwan at least indicates he wants to continue pitching.

Kuo is arbitration eligible this off-season, though the Dodgers will likely try to sign him at a reduced rate before having to officially tender him a contract. He was paid $2.725 million last season, but had been a major bargain the previous season when he was paid $950,000.

Jareck said the seriousness of the injury won’t be known until Kuo is examined by ElAttrache. Kuo was schedule to leave for Taiwan on Wednesday.

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-- Steve Dilbeck