Los Angeles, CA (Best E Casino) - Los Angeles Dodgers closer Takashi Saito is expected to miss the next six weeks of action due to a sprained ligament in his right elbow.

The 38-year-old was examined by team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache and will be placed on the 15-day disabled list. However, ElAttrache indicated that Saito would rehab his injury without surgery.

Saito left Saturday's 5-3, 11-inning loss to Florida due to tightness in the elbow. He fanned the first two batters he faced in the ninth inning, but was then lifted due to the injury.

Saito is 3-3 with a 2.18 ERA and 17 saves in 39 games this season.

The Dodgers are expected to give the closer's role to Jonathan Broxton while Saito is out.