Hochevar Status Remains Up in Air

As rumors flew in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Luke Hochevar’s flight landed in Colorado. He will return to his parents’ home this weekend after attending the wedding of a friend in Denver, then turn his attention back to determining whether he has a future with the Dodgers.

Talk that he had dropped the notoriously tough negotiator Scott Boras as his advisor was untrue, said Hochevar’s mother, Carmen, from the family’s home in Wray, Colo. Boras had heard the same rumor, but said, “I’m acting as his attorney, in the same status as before.”

Hochevar’s status is best described as in limbo. The Dodgers aren’t close to offering the $4 million he asked for after being chosen 40th in the June first-year player draft. However, the right-handed pitcher did not return to Tennessee for the fall term to keep negotiations open.

Scouting director Logan White spoke to Hochevar on Friday, the first time the player had talked to anyone from the Dodgers in several weeks.

White would not say whether progress was made, but other sources said the two sides were close to a deal last weekend before talks disintegrated.

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Surgery to repair the torn patellar tendon on Milton Bradley’s left knee was described as successful by Dr. Frank Jobe, who relayed comments made by the physician who performed the surgery in Cincinnati, Dr. Timothy Kremchek. There was no damage to Bradley’s anterior cruciate ligament, which had been feared.

Jobe said Bradley should make a full recovery in about four months and would be ready for spring training.

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Manager Jim Tracy doubted whether outfielder J.D. Drew would be able to contribute even if he is activated before the season ends. Drew has spent more than two months on the disabled list because of a broken left wrist.

“As far as any likelihood that he’d be 100%, there is zero chance of that,” Tracy said.

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Injured closer Eric Gagne will begin playing catch in about 10 days.... Pitcher Brad Penny’s stiff back improved, and Tracy said Penny should make his next start.... Reliever Wilson Alvarez (shoulder) used all his pitches in a bullpen session and is close to coming off the disabled list.... Outfielder Ricky Ledee again was available only to pinch-hit because of pain in his left hamstring.... Giant outfielder Barry Bonds will play a simulated game today at SBC Park. Bonds said he “definitely” would play this season and could be in the lineup when the Dodgers play four games at San Francisco next week.