Judd Stays With Big Club

Mike Judd will be sticking around for a while after all.

Manager Davey Johnson had considered optioning the rookie right-hander to triple-A Albuquerque later this week because he plans to evaluate other minor league pitchers on the big league level.

But Judd (2-1) has been impressive at times while making three starts for the Dodgers. He gave up three hits and two runs in 5 1/3 innings Tuesday night during a 5-2 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers.

For his efforts, Johnson said Judd will “more than likely” remain in the Dodger starting rotation.

“The kid threw the ball well,” Johnson said of Judd’s 86-pitch outing against Milwaukee. “I really like the way he went after them. There were just a lot of good things about [Judd’s performance].”

Johnson said he still will look at other prospects, including Albuquerque left-hander Jeff Williams. But Judd merits more time in the rotation based on what he has done.

“Maybe that can wait,” Johnson said of evaluating others. “Or maybe I’ll look at them in some relief roles.”

Judd was pleased by the news.

“I’m getting an opportunity now,” Judd said, “and I’m going out there and showing what I can do.”

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Catcher Angel Pena, the organization’s top prospect, has suffered a strained right forearm while playing for Albuquerque. The injury might sideline Pena for several weeks, Dodger trainer Charlie Strasser said.

Pena, whose immaturity has frustrated team officials, also has been suspended seven games because he violated a team policy.

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Left-hander Carlos Perez worked seven strong innings Tuesday for Albuquerque during a 5-4 victory against Vancouver.

Perez, hoping to be recalled soon, gave up eight hits and two runs. He struck out one and walked three. Johnson said the velocity on Perez’s pitches has been clocked at 91 mph recently.

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Third baseman Adrian Beltre sat out his third consecutive game because of a swollen left ankle and a sore groin. Beltre is listed as day-to-day.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ KEVIN BROWN (14-6, 3.12 ERA) vs. BREWERS’ BILL PULSIPHER (3-4, 5.16 ERA)

County Stadium, 11 a.m. PDT

Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).

Update--Brown has been dominant during August. He has given up only three earned runs in 30 innings in the month, leading the major leagues during that span with a 0.90 earned-run average. In his last six starts, Brown is 4-0 with a 0.99 ERA. He has limited the opposition to a .161 batting average.