Los Angeles, CA (AHN) - One of the premier closers in the National League will need some time off in the coming days to rest an injury.

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Takashi Saito, who is a perfect 16-for-16 in save situations this season and has recorded 26 in a row dating back to last season, will be unavailable for the next few days due to a sore left hamstring.

The injury comes at an inopportune time for the Los Angeles Dodgers as they begin a three-game set against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday.

Only a half game separates the Los Angeles Dodgers, Padres and Diamondbacks in the NL West. The Los Angeles Dodgers currently lead the division at 34-23.

Saito was injured on Sunday when he came on during the ninth inning to try and pin down another save against the Pittsburgh Pirates. On a 2-1 pitch to Jose Bautista, Saito blazed a fastball by the third baseman but felt some discomfort in his hamstring nearly right afterwards. He was removed in favor of Joe Beimel directly after getting examined by manager Grady Little and the team trainer.

Little said getting Saito out quickly may have minimized the injury.

"They feel like they caught it quick enough to where there wasn't a lot of damage," Little said.

The Los Angeles Dodgers aren't expecting Saito to need a trip to the 15-day disabled list, but will probably deal without their stopper for the entire Padres series. He did not pitch against the Pirates on Monday.

"Hopefully, Saito won't be out but for a few days, but we don't know yet," Little said.

Saito is 1-0 with 14 saves and a 1.50 ERA this season. He has walked just two hitters in 23 appearances.

Little has plenty of other options in the bullpen as Los Angeles has had the benefit of going to one of the most consistent relief units in the big leagues in the late innings this season.

Jonathan Broxton will assume the closing duties while Saito is out. He got off to a good start on Monday when he locked up his first save of the year in a 6-5 win over the Pirates. He did give up a run on two hits and a walk before finally shutting the door.

Broxton, who is 22-years-old and weighs just under 300 pounds, is 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 29 appearances.

Mid-relievers Chad Billingsley and Rudy Seanez have also been enjoying some outstanding success recently. Since April 19, Billingsley is 3-0 with a 1.25 ERA and Seanez is 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA.

Overall, Billingsley is 4-0 with a 3.56 ERA and Seanez is 2-0 with a 2.86 ERA.

"Everybody they bring in you think will be a closer," the Pirates' Adam LaRoche said. "They have four or five guys, and they don't let up. And every one of them can throw it 94-95."

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