Malone May Soon Be Forced Into a Decision on Mlicki

Dodger General Manager Kevin Malone acknowledges right-hander Dave Mlicki is the organization’s only in-house candidate to move into the five-man starting rotation if needed.

Manager Davey Johnson says he can never have too many quality pitchers, considering injuries. And there are doubts about whether the pitching prospects at triple-A Albuquerque should even be in that rotation.

So why would the Dodgers trade the versatile Mlicki?

“I never said we were trading anyone, that’s all my friends in the media stirring things up,” Malone said, smiling. “The thing I’ve said all along is that I’m interested in anything that can help make the club better.

“That’s an option at some point, but I never said that was the only option. We’re going to look at things and make a decision when we feel the time comes to do that.”

The time is coming. Reliever Antonio Osuna is expected to be activated off the 15-day disabled list within the next 10 days, and the 25-man roster is full.

Malone and Johnson have said carrying 12 pitchers is an option. Johnson wants left-handed relievers Onan Masaoka and Pedro Borbon to remain in the bullpen, so trading Mlicki appears to be an obvious move.

TODAY

DODGERS’ KEVIN BROWN (0-0, 7.94 ERA) vs. ROCKIES’ DARRYL KILE (1-0, 2.70 ERA)

Dodger Stadium, 4:30 p.m. Fox Sports West 2, Radio--KXTA 1150, KWKW 1330.

Update--Brown returns to the scene of his opening-day disappointment, having pitched poorly Monday in an 8-6, 11-inning victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. The $105-million staff ace was chased after 5 2/3 innings, giving up 10 hits--including a career high three home runs--and five earned runs in a no-decision.