Different Uniform, but the Same Dream

D.J. Houlton dreamed of pitching at Minute Maid Park during long summers in the Houston Astro farm system and long off-seasons spent delivering pizzas in his home town of Yorba Linda.

Tonight the dream will be realized -- with a twist

“I envisioned myself pitching there, just not wearing a blue uniform,” he said.

Houlton, a Dodger rookie, was plucked from the Astro double-A affiliate in the Rule 5 draft. He must remain on the major league roster the entire season or the Astros can buy him back for a nominal sum.

After struggling early, he has done well as a starter, winning four times in June. His last start was a step backward, though. He lasted only two innings against Arizona, giving up six runs.

“My problem started in the bullpen,” he said. “I was just thinking about getting loose. The last five minutes of my warm-up I have to be more focused.”

Houlton said he would have a coach stand in the batter’s box while he throws in the bullpen today.

*

Just as Oscar Robles has seized the opportunity at shortstop with Cesar Izturis on the disabled list, Jason Repko has taken advantage of the injury to J.D. Drew by establishing himself in center field.

Repko had four hits Thursday and was nine for 17 in the four games against the Rockies, raising his batting average from .184 to .227.

Just as impressive has been his defense. He ran down several fly balls in spacious Coors Field and made strong throws.

“Center is the easiest outfield position for me,” he said. “You can see the ball off the bat.”

There hasn’t been any question about Repko’s defense, arm or speed. But after batting .308 the first two weeks of the season, opponents began giving him more curves and locating fastballs on the outside corner.

He batted .152 from mid-April until Drew’s injury Sunday and would have been sent to triple-A were it not for injuries to outfielders Milton Bradley and Ricky Ledee.

“I’m focusing on making adjustments at the plate,” Repko said. “I need to use the whole field and pick up the breaking pitches.”

*

After thinking it over for two days, Izturis has decided to attend the All-Star game. He was voted in as a reserve by major league players.

“It’s my first time,” he said. “I don’t want to miss it.”

Izturis, who has a strained hamstring, ran at about half speed and said he expected to be 100% after the break. He can be activated a week from today.

*

Marcos Carvajal, a 20-year-old right-hander left unprotected by the Dodgers in the Rule 5 draft, made three appearances in the series for the Rockies and gave up no runs in 4 1/3 innings.

ON DECK

Opponent -- Houston Astros, three games.

Site -- Minute Maid Park, Houston.

TV -- FSN West 2 tonight, Channel 11 on Saturday, Channel 13 on Sunday.

Radio -- 980, 1330.

Records -- Dodgers 40-45, Astros 41-43.

Tonight, 5 PDT -- D.J. Houlton (4-2, 6.33) vs. Roger Clemens (7-3, 1.41).

Saturday, 10:15 a.m. -- Jeff Weaver (7-7, 4.43) vs. Roy Oswalt (11-7, 2.44).

Sunday, 11 a.m. -- Odalis Perez (4-5, 4.75) vs. Brandon Backe (7-6, 5.09).