So Far, Drew Has Been an Ironman

Outfielder J.D. Drew is prone to injury, won’t play hurt and needs frequent days off even when healthy.

That was the rap.

Now for the reality.

Drew has played in all but three of the first 56 games without complaint despite a painful wrist injury that requires nearly daily treatment. He has produced, batting .317 with 10 home runs and 28 runs batted in after an 0-for-25 start. He runs and fields well, has an on-base percentage of .401 and a slugging percentage of .479, both well above the league average.

He’s paid $11 million a year -- the highest salary on the Dodgers’ active roster -- so this is how he ought to be performing. The point is, he is meeting expectations.

“The more I play, the better I feel,” he said. “I don’t need a day off right now. When it feels good, you want to keep it going.”

That’s what Manager Jim Tracy wants to hear, especially with Milton Bradley on the disabled list. Drew has moved from right to center field, filling in for Bradley without a hitch.

Drew is well on his way to exceeding the 145 games he played last season for the Atlanta Braves, the most of his seven-year career. His surgically repaired knee has not given him problems and an MRI test on his wrist showed he has a chronic sprain that might always hurt but not enough to sideline him.

“We have good guys in the training room,” Drew said. “I just want to keep it rolling.”

*

Rookie D.J. Houlton deserves another start after his strong performance Saturday night, but Tracy isn’t certain when it will be.

The rotation is set until Sunday, when Tracy will decide between Houlton and rookie left-hander Derek Thompson. Thompson has pitched adequately in two starts and is scheduled to start Tuesday.

“It’s a choice between the two kids,” Tracy said.

There is another off day June 13 before a trip to Kansas City, Chicago, San Diego and Anaheim. The breathers in the schedule and solid performances by Houlton and Thompson have made the return of Odalis Perez from the disabled list less urgent.

Perez, who has a sore shoulder, threw 45 fastballs and changeups in the bullpen Sunday and experienced only a little stiffness.

Wilson Alvarez, who has a touch of tendinitis in his shoulder, is scheduled to throw a short bullpen session today and could be available in relief by game time.

*

ON DECK

Opponent -- Detroit Tigers, three games.

Site -- Dodger Stadium.

TV -- FSN West 2, all three games.

Radio -- 980, 1330.

Records -- Dodgers 29-27, Tigers 26-28.

Record vs. Tigers -- 3-0 all-time.

Tonight, 7 -- Derek Lowe (4-5, 3.58) vs. Jeremy Bonderman (6-3, 3.62).

Tuesday, 7 -- Derek Thompson (0-0, 4.50) vs. Nate Robertson (2-3, 3.17).

Wednesday, 7 -- Jeff Weaver (5-5, 5.65) vs. Jason Johnson (4-4, 3.27)

Tickets -- (866) 363-4377.