Grabowski Demoted to Las Vegas

Jason Grabowski, the first major league player Paul DePodesta acquired when he became general manager before the 2004 season, was outrighted to triple-A Las Vegas after Sunday’s game.

Pitcher Wilson Alvarez, on the disabled list since May 31 with shoulder pain, was activated, giving the Dodgers a left-hander in the bullpen for the first time since Kelly Wunsch injured his ankle July 8.

Like Jose Flores before him and Mike Edwards and Mike Rose after him, Grabowski was plucked out of the Oakland farm system by DePodesta, who spent several years as the Athletics’ assistant general manager.

But Grabowski’s minor league success did not follow him. Used primarily as a pinch-hitter and utility outfielder, he batted .220 last season in 173 at-bats and batted .163 in 104 at-bats this season.

He opened his stance at the suggestion of teammate Jeff Kent a couple weeks ago but it made no difference: He had three hits in his last 32 at-bats despite getting six starts since July 4.

Grabowski cleared 72-hour waivers and had the choice of becoming a free agent. He opted to stay with the Dodgers and will report to Las Vegas.

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Outfielder Milton Bradley took batting practice with the Dodgers and will rejoin the triple-A Las Vegas 51s today to continue his rehabilitation assignment. He said there was no lingering pain from the torn ligament in the ring finger of his right hand and he was optimistic that he could help the team upon his return.

Bradley, who is wearing a protective pad under his batting glove, went one for three Saturday at Las Vegas with a stolen base. All five of his rehabilitation at-bats have been right-handed. He will bat from the left side for the first time today.

“The determining factors [for Bradley’s return] are his comfort level, his swing mechanics and his timing,” Manager Jim Tracy said. “Those things are far more important than a certain number of at-bats at triple-A.”

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Injured outfielder Barry Bonds made his only appearance of the series in the San Francisco Giants’ clubhouse and said that although there is no timetable on his return, he is certain he will play at least by next season.

“There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever,” he said. “I’m not even counting out this year.”

However, he has not started running since having the last of three surgical procedures on his right knee.

“I know I’ve still got game,” he said. “I know I can still do it and do it at a high level. My eye-hand coordination is still there. I can still see fine.”