LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles Dodgers rookie pitcher Kazuhisa Ishii, hit in the forehead by a line drive last weekend, was improving Tuesday, a day after surgery to remove bone chips from his nasal passage.

Dodgers trainer Stan Johnston said Ishii took a walk outside Cedars Sinai Hospital, where he is expected to remain for a few days.

The Japanese left-hander, who turned 29 Monday, was struck by a line drive hit by Houston's Brian Hunter in Sunday's 6-2 loss to the Astros.

Dodgers spokesman Luis Garcia said no decision has been made on whether Ishii will pitch again this season. The team has 19 games remaining in the regular season.

"It's too soon,'' Garcia said.

Ishii has a 14-10 record and a 4.27 ERA.

''Obviously from where we were a few days ago this is encouraging,'' manager Jim Tracy said in San Francisco before the Dodgers played the Giants. ''This is about quality of life, which is a hell of a lot more important than throwing pitches.''