Grievance Filed Over Perez Fine

The Major League Baseball Players’ Assn. has filed a grievance on behalf of Odalis Perez stemming from the Dodgers’ plans to discipline the pitcher earlier this season, baseball officials said Wednesday.

The Dodgers in July moved to fine Perez for rejoining the team late after the All-Star break without permission.

Perez failed to report to Dodger Stadium on time July 17, informing Manager Jim Tracy he had problems with his flight from the Dominican Republic. The explanation, however, was unacceptable to the Dodgers.

At the time, a team source said Perez received a fine of more than $1,000.

That enabled the union to intercede because of major league rules prohibiting players from appealing fines of less than $1,000.

Although General Manager Dan Evans, citing team policy, and agent Scott Boras declined to discuss the situation, sources indicated the Dodgers are seeking to fine Perez a day’s pay, or about $18,000.

Under the grievance process, the fine could be upheld, reduced or eliminated. The sides still might resolve the situation internally and avoid a grievance hearing, which still has not been scheduled.

Perez will not pitch any more this season after developing a blood blister on his finger that led to an awful outing Monday against San Diego.

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The Dodgers seemingly owe a lot to starter Wilson Alvarez, whose strong performance down the stretch has helped them remain in contention for the National League wild-card berth.

Alvarez, though, said he’s indebted to Evans for the chance to revive his career after sitting out most of 2000 and 2001 while recovering from shoulder surgery.

“You don’t forget that,” said Alvarez, 6-1 with a 1.94 earned-run average.

“Danny believed in me. He thought I could still be a good pitcher and help this team, so this is where I want to be.

“I want to come back here and help this team next year just like this year.

“Everything here has been good for me.”

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Before Wednesday’s game, second baseman Alex Cora was batting .379 in 19 games this month.

“I feel a lot better about what I’ve been doing at the plate recently,” said Cora, who drove in the winning run in Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over San Diego.

“I’ve been doing what I need to do.”