Four-Man Rotation Looks Like Certainty

The Dodgers are almost certain to go to a four-man rotation in their final four weeks, Manager Jim Tracy said Sunday, a decision that would have ace Kevin Brown pitch twice on three days’ rest in the thick of the division race.

Both short-rest starts-Sept. 16 and Sept. 25-would come against the San Francisco Giants, one game ahead of the third-place Dodgers in the National League West.

Because of a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow, Brown was disabled for six weeks, and Sunday he made his second start since coming off the disabled list.

Limited to 94 pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals, he allowed three runs in five innings.

According to Tracy, James Baldwin and Chan Ho Park would pitch on three days’ rest Saturday and Sunday in San Francisco. Baldwin, Park and Terry Adams are scheduled to start the three-game series in Colorado, beginning Tuesday.

That’s the plan, anyway.

“We talked to these guys,” Tracy said, “and they were all for it. I think momentum is a big thing in the month of September. It’s a huge issue.”

Therefore, Eric Gagne, who allowed 12 runs in 15 1/3 innings in his last three starts, will pitch out of the bullpen.

Tracy said Gagne “totally understood” and would continue to be “an integral part” of the staff. “To be in the position we are in today, I have an obligation to this club to do whatever necessary to afford us the chance to play baseball in October,” Tracy said. “So, that’s the path we’re going to take.”

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Meanwhile, in center field, Tracy benched Marquis Grissom, started Tom Goodwin, and did not consider McKay Christensen for Sunday night’s game.

Tracy said he hoped Grissom, who had three hits and 10 strikeouts in his previous 23 at-bats, would benefit from a day away from the game. Grissom’s batting average had fallen to .230, his on-base percentage to .259.

Said Grissom: ‘I’m not disappointed in any way. Goody’s got to get going. We need him just as much as they need me, as much as they need anybody. We’re looking for wins. We aren’t looking for stats.”

It was as good a time as any for Tracy to take his shot with Goodwin, who entered the game one for his last 18 since July 18, but five for nine in his career against Cardinal starter Darryl Kile. “It’s very similar to Eric Karros’ situation, in that I feel if we get an opportunity to get [Grissom] a couple days, get him away from it, it’s the best,” Tracy said. “[But] we need him down the stretch.”

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Dodger reliever Mike Trombley experienced “a little pull” in his right groin in the ninth inning, leading to his removal before throwing a pitch.

Trombley, acquired at the trading deadline for bullpen depth, felt some tightness in the bullpen, and again warming on the mound before the inning. He said he did not expect to be available to pitch Tuesday.