Dreifort Takes a Simulated Step

Darren Dreifort took another step in his comeback from elbow surgery when the right-hander threw a simulated game Monday.

But this comeback was measured in minutes rather than months.

Dreifort warmed up and threw 16 pitches to Dave Hansen, Jeff Reboulet and Hiram Bocachica. He then retired to the Dodger dugout for eight minutes before returning for another warmup and 18 more pitches to the same hitters.

It was the first time since he underwent surgery on July 9, 2001 that Dreifort pitched to hitters without a batting practice screen. It was also the first time he rested and warmed up again for a simulated second inning.

“I didn’t have any problems,” Dreifort said. “I took eight warmup pitches like I would in a game and I was fine.”

Dreifort gave up a home run to Hansen in the second inning on a slider.

“My reactions are good,” Dreifort joked. “I said [expletive] as soon as he hit it.”

Bocachica said Dreifort’s fastball was lively in the first inning and better in the second.

Manager Jim Tracy said he was impressed.

“Are every one of his pitches going pin-point, exactly where he wants them to go?” Tracy said. “We’re not concerned with that. We’re more concerned with how did he warm up after he sat down for eight minutes, because that’s the next hurdle we’re going over.”

Tracy said Dreifort would be evaluated today before scheduling another bullpen workout or simulated game.

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General Manager Dan Evans returned Monday afternoon from Japan where he had traveled to be part of ceremonies honoring the late Akihiro “Ike” Ikuhara, a longtime club executive who was inducted into the Japan Baseball Hall of Fame.

Evans said he was on the phone throughout his trip discussing possible trades.

He would not discuss specific players.

“We’re not going to make a move based on what happened the last couple of days,” said Evans, who watched the Dodger broadcasts in Japan. “If we do something, we’ll make a move that makes sense for the next couple of months.

“We have got some things cooking. We have a lot of discussions out there. If we’re able to do something that makes sense for us in 2002 and future years, sure, we’ll do it.”

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Kevin Brown will resume his rehabilitative throwing program today.

Brown will continue throwing off flat ground for 11 more days before pitching off a mound, Tracy said.

“He’s doing his thing and making progress,” Tracy said. “He’s definitely making progress.”

TODAY

DODGERS’

HIDEO NOMO

(9-5, 3.12)

vs.

CARDINALS’

ANDY BENES

(0-2, 10.80)

Dodger Stadium, noon.

TV--Fox Sports Net 2. Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).

Update--After a slow start, Nomo is 7-0 and has a 2.60 earned-run average in his last 11 starts. Benes is coming off the disabled list after missing 76 games because of an arthritic right knee. He has not pitched in a major league game since April 15.

Tickets--(323) 224-1448.