Evans Keeps Strategy a Secret

Other National League contenders are watching the Dodgers closely, wondering how the loss of pitcher Darren Dreifort affects the club’s efforts to acquire a productive hitter.

“I really don’t have any intention of letting other clubs know where we stand on that thought process, because that’s the strategy part of it,” General Manager Dan Evans said Tuesday.

“This year, it’s pretty obvious that of the pitching, defense and offense, the softest part of the three has been our offense. Darren was a major loss, but I’m not going to comment on what [effect] it may have.”

Dreifort, scheduled to undergo season-ending knee surgery June 18, was the best No. 5 starter in the league, and his improvement was key for baseball’s top pitching staff, two NL executives said.

Despite strong pitching, players wonder whether the current group can produce enough to meet its goals.

“It might be getting around that time [to make changes],” left fielder Brian Jordan said, echoing the sentiment of many in the clubhouse. “But with almost the same team we had last year, we saw this team come around in a big way.

“That’s why everybody is kind of waiting, and kind of holding out for it, probably longer than normal. We did it last year, but the bottom line is we’ve got to make it happen now.”

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Jordan, still experiencing pain on his left wrist, underwent X-rays again after the 12-inning victory over the Tigers at Comerica Park.

Trainer Stan Johnston said the results of the latest exam were negative, and Jordan, hitless in five at-bats batting third for the first time, is scheduled to have a CT scan today.

“I’ve dealt with pain before, it’s just the mental part of not knowing if it’s fractured,” said Jordan, hit by a pitch from Colorado’s Shawn Chacon on May 28. “The doctors warned me that it might take two weeks before a fracture shows, so that’s kind of nerve-racking.

“You’re scared to let it go [batting] because you never know what’s going to happen. That’s why I’m going to get some answers. I’ve just got to get it taken care of so it can free my mind. And free everybody else’s mind.”

Johnston and Jordan consulted with a physician after the X-ray exam, and Johnston does not believe Jordan suffered a fracture. Most likely, Johnston said, Jordan’s pain stems from what has been diagnosed as a soft-tissue injury.

The CT scan will help determine whether Jordan has a deep bone bruise.

“He’s already had an MRI,” Johnston said. “With the CT scan, we’ve done every test we can do to it.”

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Left-hander Odalis Perez is 4-4 with a 4.72 earned-run average after getting pounded in two of his last three starts.

Pitching coach Jim Colborn believes Perez, who relies on instincts and ability, needs to become more analytical because hitters are making better adjustments against him.

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The Dodgers are still considering whether to pursue free-agent left-hander Chuck Finley, Evans said.

Right-hander Andy Ashby and left-hander Wilson Alvarez are competing for the rotation opening, and Finley, 40, recently rejected an offer to rejoin the Angels because he wants to be assured a rotation spot.

Finley rejected an off-season arbitration offer from the St. Louis Cardinals, so any team signing him would owe the Cardinals a first-round draft choice.

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Shortstop Cesar Izturis, tied for the majors’ top fielding percentage at his position at .989, was given most of the day off, entering in the 12th as a defensive replacement.