Nakamura May Not Accept Move

The Dodgers have assigned infielder Norihiro Nakamura to triple-A Las Vegas, but Nakamura has told team officials he might not report there.

Nakamura, 31, an eight-time All-Star in Japan, passed up a guaranteed $10 million there to accept a minor league contract and a chance to win a major league job with the Dodgers. Although he batted .295 this spring and played excellent defense, the Dodgers want him to play every day at Las Vegas until an opening arises in Los Angeles.

“If he holds up his end of the bargain, he’ll force us to consider him,” Manager Jim Tracy said. “It would be very wise on his part to follow along and know that it’s in his best interest.”

General Manager Paul DePodesta said he expected an answer from Nakamura before Las Vegas opens its season Thursday. If he fails to report, the Dodgers could put him on the restricted list, thus retaining his rights while suspending him without pay. DePodesta said he did not know whether the Japanese league would be obligated to honor the suspension if Nakamura wished to return home and play.

If Nakamura reports to Las Vegas and another team later offers him a major league job, DePodesta said the Dodgers would consider releasing him at that time.

“We’re not interested in stunting his career,” DePodesta said.

Nakamura, who declined to comment Sunday, left the game because of a bruised rib cage and was taken for precautionary X-rays. Results were not available Sunday evening.

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Brad Penny could start the home opener next week for the Dodgers -- the Vero Beach Dodgers, that is.

Penny, slowly rehabilitating a nerve injury in his right arm, threw four innings in a minor league intrasquad game Sunday. Tracy said the Dodgers are considering using Penny to start for Class-A Vero Beach on Friday, which would mark his first competitive appearance in seven months and also mark the start of a minor league rehabilitation assignment. For pitchers, such assignments are limited to 30 days.

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On sale at Dodger Stadium souvenir stands: Caps that read, “Los Angeles Dodgers of Los Angeles,” available in blue or pink for $25 each.... Tracy’s lineup for Tuesday’s opener: Cesar Izturis, SS; Hee-Seop Choi, 1B; J.D. Drew, RF; Jeff Kent, 2B; Milton Bradley, CF; Jose Valentin, 3B; Ricky Ledee, LF; Jason Phillips, C; Derek Lowe, P.... Organist Nancy Bea Hefley said she has not heard whether her playing time would be expanded this season. Under chief marketing officer Lon Rosen, the Dodgers cranked up the hits to ear-splitting levels and slashed Hefley’s time. The Dodgers fired Rosen on Friday; a team official said Sunday the decibel level would be reduced but no decision had been made on whether to restore some organ music in place of recorded music.