Erickson Earns Spot in Rotation

What was obvious is now official. Manager Jim Tracy said Monday that non-roster invitee Scott Erickson has made the team and will start the fifth game of the season, against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Tracy also said left-hander Odalis Perez will start the second game, as expected, following Derek Lowe and preceding Jeff Weaver against the San Francisco Giants.

That leaves only the fourth game of the season as a question mark. Right-hander Elmer Dessens, who has made 128 starts in an eight-year career, is the favorite over non-roster invitee Ryan Rupe, who has pitched well this spring but hasn’t pitched extensively in the big leagues since going 15-28 from 2000 to 2002 for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Tracy would prefer to start Wilson Alvarez, but the left-hander has not pitched since experiencing should tendinitis 12 days ago. At best Alvarez might start the season in the bullpen, and he could be put on the disabled list until he builds arm strength.

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Weaver extended his pitch count to nearly 100 in a strong outing, holding the Washington Nationals to two runs in seven innings of a 3-2 Dodger victory at Holman Stadium.

“I’ve been getting a good feel for my pitches the last three starts,” he said. “I’m getting geared in mentally.”

Weaver is working to improve what he calls “damage control.” His tendency in the past was to overthrow when he got into trouble, which led to big innings. Now he is content to give up a run if an out results and he can minimize the harm.

“Sometimes I was finding myself trying to strike everybody out with runners on base,” he said. “I’ve come to the understanding that I won’t be putting up zeros every inning.”

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Top prospect Joel Guzman, 20, was brought up from minor league camp for the game and hit a wind-blown, two-run home run. A shortstop throughout his career, he started at first base, playing the position for only the second time in his life. He borrowed a mitt from Olmedo Saenz and made a nice backhand play.

Guzman, who is 6 feet 6, 225 pounds, said he was disappointed that he was not asked to major league camp in February. He was the Dodgers’ minor league player of the year in 2004, splitting the season between Class A and double A.

“I was ready, but I was not invited,” he said. “I wasn’t sure why. So I just decided to work hard in minor league camp.”

He will get a belated reward. Guzman and sidearm minor league pitcher Steve Schmoll will accompany the team west for the Freeway Series.

“They are guys who could be in a major league situation at some point, and it’s wise for them to experience the big league environment,” Tracy said.

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Catcher David Ross is three for three since Jason Phillips was acquired in a trade to take his spot on the roster.

Ross, who had an infield single in his only at-bat Monday, was 0 for 17 when Phillips arrived. The Dodgers are hoping to get a minor league prospect in a trade for Ross before the season begins.

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Leadoff batter Cesar Izturis has not walked in 43 spring plate appearances.... Outfielder J.D. Drew homered and singled, improving his slugging percentage to .704.... Brad Penny is scheduled for a three-inning simulated game today. He will begin the season on the disabled list so he can continue his rehabilitation from a biceps nerve injury by facing minor league hitters.