DePodesta Keeps His Options Open

Paul DePodesta remains intent on improving the Dodgers through trade. It’s just that the object of his pursuit keeps changing.

A few weeks ago he was zeroing in on a third baseman to replace the injured Jose Valentin. However, injuries to Odalis Perez and Elmer Dessens, coupled with the ineffectiveness of Scott Erickson, forced the Dodger general manager to shift his focus to acquiring a starting pitcher.

The pitching has stabilized somewhat -- the Dodgers got quality starts in five of their six losses at Kansas City and Chicago -- but another problem has taken on near-epidemic proportions.

That would be scoring runs.

Now DePodesta has scouts canvassing both leagues looking for a big bat that might become available before the July 31 trading deadline.

“We have to be open-minded and flexible regarding what we need to address,” he said.

The absence of switch-hitting outfielder Milton Bradley has taken a particular toll, underscoring how dependent the lineup is upon middle-of-the-order hitters J.D. Drew, Jeff Kent and Bradley.

MRI test results Monday on the torn ligament on Bradley’s right ring finger were encouraging, showing some healing and no damage beyond the tear that has kept him out of the lineup since May 29. Bradley took a cortisone shot and will not swing a bat until the weekend. There is no timetable for his return.

“We’ve always felt Milton is an important part of our club, and now we have hard evidence of it,” DePodesta said.

Adding a hitter could be necessary even if Bradley, who is batting .298 with 10 home runs, returns soon. Factors include the dropoff in power at third base without the injured Valentin and the lack of power from outfielder Jayson Werth, who has not hit a home run since coming off the disabled list May 25.

*

Dr. Frank Jobe will examine closer Eric Gagne’s elbow today, and Dr. Ralph Gambardella will examine catcher Paul Bako’s knee.... Perez pitched three innings at triple-A Las Vegas in his second rehabilitation outing, giving up no runs and two hits and striking out three. Manager Jim Tracy said Perez will make one more rehab start before being activated.