Beltre Glad to Take a Break

Manager Jim Tracy gave struggling third baseman Adrian Beltre some time off Sunday, using him as a defensive replacement in a 6-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.

Beltre, who batted only .207 in May, replaced Dave Hansen in the seventh with the Dodgers leading, 3-2. Although he struck out swinging in the eighth, Beltre said the break helped.

“I thought it was going to be all day off, but I’m always ready if Trace needs me,” said Beltre, batting .245 overall. “He told me I was going to have a day off just to clear my mind before we go on the road trip.

“He just wanted me to relax, and get me out of that whole thinking about struggling right now. I enjoyed my half-day off.”

*

As expected, Kevin Brown (sprained right elbow) won’t be activated from the disabled list when he is eligible to pitch June 11. Tracy said Brown still “has the inflammation in the back of his elbow,” prompting the club to proceed cautiously.... Left-handed reliever Terry Mulholland (strained lower back) had another bullpen session and is close to being activated from the disabled list, Tracy said. Mulholland, not expected to go on a rehabilitation assignment, is scheduled to pitch a simulated game Tuesday at Coors Field.... Right-hander Darren Dreifort, rehabilitating from elbow surgery, continued his throwing program. Tracy said the club does not have a target date for Dreifort’s return.

ON DECK

Opponent--Colorado Rockies, three games.

Site--Coors Field, Denver.

Tonight--6 PDT.

TV--Fox Sports Net 2 every game.

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

Records--Dodgers 33-23, Rockies 30-27.

Record vs. Rockies--5-1.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’

ODALIS PEREZ

(5-3, 2.52 ERA)

vs.

ROCKIES’

DENNY STARK

(3-1, 3.47 ERA)

Update--Perez pitched his first career complete game April 15 in a 5-2 victory over the Rockies at Coors Field. The left-hander has limited opponents to a 2.25 earned-run average on the road--seventh in National League. Stark, a 27-year-old right-hander, is scheduled to make his fifth start since being recalled from triple A on May 13.

Tuesday, 6 p.m.--Hideo Nomo (5-5, 3.49) vs. Denny Neagle (4-2, 3.96).

Wednesday, noon--Omar Daal (4-1, 1.91) vs. Jason Jennings (6-2, 4.70).