Daal Appearance Changes Rotation

Manager Jim Tracy shuffled the Dodger rotation for the four-game series against the Phillies after Thursday’s 6-4, 13-inning loss to the Cincinnati Reds.

Omar Daal, scheduled to start tonight against his former club, pitched the final 1 1/3 innings Thursday and took the loss, so Andy Ashby is now scheduled to start the opener. Kazuhisa Ishii will to start Saturday on three days’ rest after throwing only 72 pitches and working 2 2/3 innings Tuesday in a 12-4 loss to the Reds.

The Dodgers will turn back to Daal on Sunday, and Hideo Nomo will take his regular turn Monday in the final game of the season-high, 13-game trip.

“We’re really in a tough spot now with our staff, but I think we’ll bounce back from it,” catcher Chad Kreuter said. “It’s something you get [upset about], but things like this that happen tend to draw teams together. This might be one of ‘em.”

Odalis Perez, pitching on nine days’ rest, worked seven scoreless innings in his first strong start since tossing a one-hitter against the Colorado Rockies on June 25. The left-hander gave up only two hits and had five strikeouts with two walks.

“I was waiting for one outing like that to get back on track,” he said. “For me to go to the Dominican [Republic] for four days and see my family was great. My mind is fresh. Now, I have to do whatever it takes for me to be out there every five days, and give this team a chance to win.”

*

Kevin Brown threw 40 pitches in the bullpen and is expected to pitch a triple-A game in Las Vegas on Saturday.

ON DECK

Opponent--Philadelphia Phillies, four games.

Site--Veterans Stadium.

Today--4 p.m. PDT.

TV--Fox Sports Net 2 today and Monday, Channel 11 on Saturday, Channel 13 on Sunday.

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

Records--Dodgers 60-48, Phillies 51-56.

2001 record vs. Phillies--3-3.

TODAY

DODGERS’

ANDY ASHBY

(7-9, 3.94 ERA)

vs.

PHILLIES’

VICENTE PADILLA

(11-6, 3.28 ERA)

Update--Ashby was 0-3 with a 6.11 earned-run average in July. Padilla and Daal were among four players the Arizona Diamondbacks sent to Philadelphia for Curt Schilling in 2000. Padilla, 24, has emerged as one of the major leagues’ top young starters.

Saturday, 10:15 a.m.--Kazuhisa Ishii (12-7, 3.87) vs. Joe Roa (0-1, 4.76).

Sunday, 10:30 a.m.--Omar Daal (8-6, 4.12) vs. Brett Myers (1-1, 4.91).

Monday, 10 a.m.--Hideo Nomo (11-6, 3.31) vs. Brandon Duckworth (5-8, 4.88).