MLB.com: Dessens one of Dodgers better pitchers this season

PHOENIX -- The early-season leader for Dodgers unsung hero is Elmer Dessens, whose substitute start Friday night was more than the Dodgers could have expected from essentially their No. 7 starter.

With Brad Penny and Wilson Alvarez disabled, Dessens was given the ball to face his former Arizona Diamondbacks teammates and he left in the sixth inning with a 4-1 lead.

"No question, that game could have had an entirely different outcome if not for Elmer," said manager Jim Tracy.