Dodgers’ Ted Lilly hasn’t resumed throwing since last week

Already sidelined for more than two weeks because of shoulder inflammation, Ted Lilly still hasn’t resumed throwing.

Surgery was ruled out by the results of an MRI exam Lilly underwent a couple of weeks ago. Asked if the lack of progress might force him to reconsider the possibility of an operation, Lilly replied, “I’m not there yet. I really hope I don’t get to that point.”

He said he would try to throw in another 10 days or so.

The previous attempt didn’t go well. Lilly, who was 5-1 with a 3.14 earned-run average when he went down, still felt discomfort when he tried playing catch last week.

“It still catches on the back of the shoulder,” Lilly said.

Lilly has had shoulder problems in the past, undergoing a minor operation after the 2009 season.

What made his latest injury particularly frustrating was how it developed.

“In the past, I had shoulder issues but I saw them coming for a little while,” he said. “I could feel it coming on, I tried to fight through it. This, it came on pretty fast.

Lilly’s place in the rotation has been taken by 22-year-old Nathan Eovaldi.

“What I need to do is to stay positive, think about getting back,” Lilly said.

On the mend

Second baseman Mark Ellis reported significant improvement in his left leg, which he could have lost if not for an emergency operation three weeks ago.

Ellis had stitches removed last week. He started hitting indoors and taking grounders outdoors this week.

His left knee, which was also hurt in an infield collision with Tyler Greene of the St. Louis Cardinals, won’t require an operation.

“To be where I’m at today, I feel good,” Ellis said.

That being said, Ellis remains unsure of when he’ll return. He was initially estimated to be out for a minimum of six weeks.

Recruiting tool

Team President Stan Kasten thinks that signing Andre Ethier to a five-year, $85-million extension will help the Dodgers attract free agents.

“The best recruiters we could have are players who are here already, who know what it’s like it is to be a Dodger, how special it is to be a Dodger, and really believe in the things we’re doing,” Kasten said. “They can spread that word to the other players in the league and let other players know this is a place you want to be.”

Short hops

Dee Gordon will sign autographs at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul store on North Ave. 21 at noon on Saturday. Items at the charitable organization’s thrift store will be 50% off that day. … Reliever Josh Lindblom launched his charitable foundation in a pregame ceremony.

dylan.hernandez@latimes.com