Penny to Face Major Test Today

Brad Penny is scheduled to face hitters today for the first time since having gone on the disabled list because of a nerve problem in his pitching arm.

The right-hander, who might throw more than 60 pitches in live batting practice, has not pitched to batters since sprinting from the mound in pain Aug. 8 in the first inning of a 4-1 loss to Philadelphia.

Manager Jim Tracy said he’s still hopeful of including Penny on the roster for the National League division series, if the Dodgers qualify. But they are running out of time to have Penny build stamina out of the bullpen before the regular season ends.

The Dodgers would prefer to have Penny start twice before having to make a decision on his status for the first round, but that scenario might not unfold if the division race remained undecided into the final week.

“I can see Brad Penny being part of the scheme of things that we would consider in putting a rotation together for the postseason,” Tracy said. “But to heap the weight of the world on his shoulders and say, ‘Hey, we’re going to ride this horse like no other,’ I don’t think it’s fair to say that.

“I think it’s also fair to allow this guy enough time to see ... where does he get? How far along does he get? And is he even a component?”

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Tracy reaffirmed Hideo Nomo would remain in the rotation and start Friday against the Colorado Rockies despite the right-hander’s shaky 3 2/3 -inning performance in Sunday’s 7-6 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Larry Walker’s two home runs were among nine hits and six runs Nomo gave up in a 72-pitch outing.

“I’m not one to just pull the cord as soon as you see a potential red flag,” Tracy said. “And what are the alternatives?” With Penny out, Kazuhisa Ishii demoted to the bullpen because of ineffectiveness and Edwin Jackson having command problems, Tracy said he would stick with Nomo for now.

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Although it appears Ishii won’t pitch in another undecided game for the Dodgers this season, Tracy said he wouldn’t go that far.

“He has won 13 ballgames,” Tracy said. “He’s done it at times in very interesting ways, but there have also been moments of brilliance.”

But unless several pitchers suffered injuries, Ishii probably wouldn’t be included on the roster for the division series. Ishii received some good news Monday, learning that the results of an MRI exam of his stiff back were negative, a team spokesman said.

As for his role for the remainder of the season, Ishii said he would prepare as well as he could in the bullpen.

“I don’t know what Tracy wants to do, that’s not up to me,” he said through an interpreter. “... I’ll have to wait and see what the team wants me to do.”