Perez’s Options Being Discussed

Chairman Bob Daly and the agent for Carlos Perez discussed options Thursday to resolve the pitcher’s situation.

The left-hander, who can become a free agent if he is not on the 25-man roster by Saturday, previously said he would not accept a minor league assignment once his rehabilitation assignment ended.

But agent Adam Katz downplayed Perez’s comments, saying several possibilities are under consideration.

“There are a couple of choices and options that we’re considering,” Katz said, “but we’re just trying to do this privately. I’m going to leave this between Bob and me, but we’ll know more today.”

Perez has a 6.53 earned-run average in six starts for Las Vegas after giving up seven hits and four earned runs in four innings Thursday against Calgary.

He is in the final year of a $15.6-million contract and would be owed the remainder of his $7.5-million salary this season if released.

*

Determined to prevent another melee between the Dodgers and fans at Wrigley Field, Paul Rathje, director of stadium operations, said the Chicago Cubs will increase security for a three-game series that begins today.

The Cubs will bolster security near the uncovered visitors’ bullpen along the right-field line, where a brawl ignited May 16 last season.

A fan allegedly struck catcher Chad Kreuter on his head and took his cap in the ninth inning of the Dodgers’ 6-5 victory, triggering an altercation that resulted in the commissioner’s office ordering suspensions and fines against the Dodgers totaling 45 games and $71,000.

ON DECK

* Opponent--Chicago Cubs, three games.

* Site--Wrigley Field.

* Today--12:15 PDT.

* TV--Channel 5 every game.

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

* Records--Dodgers 17-11, Cubs 16-11.

* 2000 record vs. Cubs--6-3.

TODAY

DODGERS’

CHAN HO PARK

(3-2, 3.63 ERA)

vs.

CUBS’

KEVIN TAPANI

(3-1, 4.91 ERA)

* Update--Park is coming off a strong outing--he had a no-hitter through 6 1/3 innings--April 29 in a 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium. The right-hander is 8-2 with a 3.46 ERA against the Cubs in his career.

* Saturday, 11 a.m.--Darren Dreifort (1-1, 5.10) vs. Julian Tavarez (2-1, 1.53).

* Sunday, 11 a.m.--Eric Gagne (1-1, 5.56) vs. Jason Bere (3-1, 5.67).