Houlton Earns Another Start

The last time a start was up for grabs, rookie left-hander Derek Thompson wasn’t informed by the manager or a coach that he’d been chosen. He was told during an interview with A Martinez, host of “Dodger Talk.”

Live. On the air.

Somewhat embarrassed by the episode, Dodger decision-makers informed Thompson on Friday -- two days before the next open date in the rotation -- who would make the start.

This time, the only problem for Thompson was that it wasn’t him.

D.J. Houlton, a rookie right-hander who turned in five solid innings in a 2-1 victory over Milwaukee on June 4, will make his second start Sunday against Twin right-hander Brad Radke.

“He deserves it,” Manager Jim Tracy said. “They both deserve it. It’s just wise to get Houlton out there again, just like we did with Derek.”

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It is almost certain that outfielder Milton Bradley won’t be ready to come off the disabled list when he is eligible Tuesday. In fact, he might not pick up a bat until then.

Bradley, who has a torn ligament in the ring finger of his right hand, can grip a bat but is unable to swing it. The Dodger medical staff doesn’t want him to try swinging for another week.

“The consensus is to give it some time and see where it’s going to go,” Tracy said.

Bradley, who is batting .298 with 10 home runs and 26 runs batted in, said the finger is not giving him pain, but agrees with the assessment, saying, “The trainers know best.”

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Closer Eric Gagne was fined by Major League Baseball for wearing his pants legs too low and plans to appeal.... Odalis Perez (shoulder) had an encouraging bullpen session, throwing all of his pitches. Another bullpen is scheduled Sunday.... Elmer Dessens (shoulder) is scheduled to throw about 70 pitches for triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday, perhaps the last step before he is activated after spending seven weeks on the disabled list.... Wilson Alvarez (shoulder) had a cortisone injection Friday and could begin light throwing Sunday.... Luke Hochevar, the Dodgers’ first draft pick Tuesday, struck out 11 in seven innings of Tennessee’s 3-2 victory over Georgia Tech in an NCAA super-regional. He gave up five hits and no earned runs.... The Dodgers have yet to sign any of the 51 players they drafted.