Bullpen Looks Good to Tomko

The Dodgers can only hope Brett Tomko’s enthusiasm about moving from the starting rotation to the bullpen rubs off on Odalis Perez.

Tomko, who has made 143 starts in 145 appearances the last five years, will become a reliever when he rejoins the Dodgers after a minor league rehabilitation assignment set to begin Friday.

And he’s thrilled.

“I’m excited about this,” he said. “It’s going to be a challenge and it’s going to be fun.”

Perez has sulked for months since losing his spot in the starting rotation. Tomko doesn’t consider it a demotion as much as an opportunity. He’s aware of the distinguished list of starters who flourished after becoming relievers -- Dennis Eckersley, Eric Gagne and Tom Gordon among them.

Tomko will face batters here today in a simulated game. Unless there is a setback in his recovery from the strained muscle in his left side that has kept him on the disabled list since June 24, he will spend about a week at triple-A Las Vegas.

“At first I couldn’t put my shoes on or walk up stairs,” he said. “But I’m feeling good now.”

Tomko, in the first year of a two-year, $8.7-million deal, had mixed success as a starter this year, going 6-6 with a 5.12 earned-run average. The injury occurred in a game he won against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he’d lost his previous five decisions.

Manager Grady Little said Tomko would be used in non-save situations at first, but could eventually move into a late-inning role.

“This guy might have the stuff to be a closer one day,” Little said.

However, the manager reserves the right to put Tomko back into the rotation if necessary.

“If we thought it would help us become a better team with him starting, we’ll do that,” Little said.

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After a slow start, Jason Repko is heating up in his rehabilitation assignment at Las Vegas, getting six hits in his last nine at-bats to raise his average to .318. He also has made several outstanding catches in center field.

“He says he’s running at about 90%,” Little said.

Repko, who has been sidelined since spraining his left ankle May 10, could be activated in less than a week, setting up an interesting roster move. Unless the Dodgers are able to trade Jose Cruz Jr. or Ricky Ledee, third catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. might be the odd player out.

Alomar, 40, is batting .339 in limited duty and the Dodgers like his leadership, but he has had only one at-bat in July and is able to catch only on an emergency basis.

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Limited spots are available for the Dodgers Dream Foundation Charity Golf Invitational to be held July 27 at Trump National Golf Club in Palos Verdes. Information: (323) 224-1413.