Drew Will Learn His Status Today

J.D. Drew will learn today whether his first season as a Dodger is over.

Drew broke his left wrist Sunday when he was hit by a pitch. X-rays confirmed the break, but not until Dr. Norman Zemel examines the injury will it be known whether surgery is necessary.

Zemel, a hand specialist, has had his hands full with Dodger outfielders. Milton Bradley has been on the disabled list since May 30 because of a torn ligament in his right ring finger, and Jayson Werth was out the first seven weeks of the season because of a broken left wrist.

Drew, in the first year of a five-year, $55-million contract, is batting .286 with 15 home runs, 36 runs batted in and an on-base percentage of .412. He had been hot recently, batting .358 since June 1.

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Drew’s roster spot was filled by Chin-Feng Chen, whose contract was purchased from triple-A Las Vegas. Reserve catcher Paul Bako, out for the season because of a knee injury, was placed on the 60-day disabled list to make room for Chen on the 40-man roster.

Chen, 27, has been called up briefly each of the last three seasons and was 0 for 12 before driving in two runs with a pinch-hit single Monday. He has displayed excellent power in triple-A, hitting 26 home runs in 2002, 26 in 2003, 20 in 2004 and 10 this season.

“I’m happy I’m getting this chance,” Chen said. “I’ll just do what I do and hope that’s good enough.”

Manager Jim Tracy said Chen has improved defensively and needs only to have consistent at-bats to become a productive major leaguer. Chen is expected to be the starting lineup today against left-hander Jeff Francis.

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Shortstop Cesar Izturis sat out his fourth game in a row because of tightness in his hamstring.... Outfielder Ricky Ledee (hamstring) ran full speed in a straight line. He will run around the bases today, join the team Wednesday and could be activated soon thereafter.... Bradley took 25 swings and did not report any pain, but he still has not hit off a tee or at a thrown ball.... Left-hander Wilson Alvarez (shoulder) will begin a rehabilitation assignment by pitching one inning for Las Vegas today.... Joel Guzman, the Dodgers’ top prospect, was 15 for 22 in six double-A games from June 25-July 2.

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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

Holiday time

Where the Dodgers stand through games of July 4 compared with last season, and where they finished:

*--* NL WEST: JULY 4, 2005 TEAM W-L GB San Diego 45-38 -- Arizona 41-43 4 1/2 DODGERS 39-43 5 1/2 NL WEST: JULY 4, 2004 San Francisco 45-37 -- San Diego 44-37 1/2 DODGERS 42-37 1 1/2 NL WEST: 2004 FINAL DODGERS 93-69 -- San Francisco 91-71 2 San Diego 87-75 6

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