Armas May Top DePodesta’s List

General Manager Paul DePodesta acknowledges he prefers “to fly under the radar,” so it figured he would go into stealth mode in an attempt to bolster the rotation for the stretch.

While some contending clubs have targeted Arizona left-hander Randy Johnson, DePodesta has pursued other options, including Montreal right-hander Tony Armas Jr., team sources said Friday.

“People talk a lot about different scenarios,” said DePodesta, who does not comment on trade talks. “The challenge for us is to find someone who is significantly better than the people we have, and it has been a challenge. It’s a very small market.”

Dodger scouts have monitored Armas as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches. DePodesta hopes to acquire the cost-effective 26-year-old starter, who pitched five strong innings Friday in the Expos’ 2-1 victory over the Florida Marlins.

Montreal General Manager Omar Minaya has told the Dodgers and other clubs that Armas is not available, but executives in both leagues said the Expos would strongly consider offers as the deadline draws closer.

Armas had shoulder surgery in the off-season and spent time on the disabled list this season because of a strained muscle in his right side. Although Armas has made only 14 starts the last two seasons, he went 12-12 with a 4.44 earned-run average in 2002 and appears to be regaining form, having pitched well in his last three starts.

Moreover, Armas has a salary of only $2.1 million this season and cannot become a free agent until after the 2006 season. DePodesta might have to rebuild the rotation for 2005, so Armas would appear to be a good fit.

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Hideo Nomo took another step in his lengthy rehabilitation program, throwing off a mound for the first time since having gone on the disabled list because of inflammation in his rotator cuff.

The right-hander threw 15 pitches under the supervision of pitching coach Jim Colborn and trainer Stan Johnston. Nomo said he did not experience problems during the short session, and Manager Jim Tracy said Nomo would throw as many as 40 pitches in another bullpen session Sunday.

“He threw fine,” Tracy said. “If everything is OK physically [today], then we would do it again.”

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Rookie starter Edwin Jackson (right forearm strain) is not close to returning from the disabled list, Tracy said.

“There’s no time frame on when he’s going to start,” Tracy said. “He’s been predominantly throwing on flat ground. I don’t see any way within five days we would consider putting him on the mound.”

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Lobbyist Howard Sunkin has joined the Dodgers as senior vice president of public affairs.