BROWN: BIG BOON IF HE GETS BACK SOON DODGERS ACE TARGETS A LATE-AUGUST RETURN.

Byline: Jill Painter Staff Writer

The Dodgers won't have to make an 11th-hour trade or deal any more prospects to acquire another proven starter. That's because Kevin Brown's return this season is imminent - perhaps more imminent than previously thought.

Brown quietly has progressed from elbow injuries and back surgery. It's conceivable he could pitch in two key series with the Arizona Diamondbacks - who have a five-game lead over the Dodgers in the National League West - in late August and early September.

Unless the organization is confident he is completely healthy, Brown won't be activated before Sept. 1, when rosters expand from 25 to 40.

Many believed Brown was through for the season after two stints on the disabled list with right-elbow problems and then back surgery on June 11.

``I didn't know what to expect from what they told me,'' pitching coach Jim Colborn said. ``He's been well above expectations.

``I'd say he'd be ready before Sept. 1, assuming he continues to make the same kind of progress.''

The Dodgers, who open a three-game series at Cincinnati today, could use a healthy Brown. Andy Ashby hasn't won since June 23 and All-Star Odalis Perez needed rest last week. Darren Dreifort, recovering from two elbow surgeries, was progressing until a nagging knee injury recurred.

Now it's conceivable Brown will be back before Dreifort. Brown threw a 70-pitch bullpen session Friday, an 80-pitch session Sunday and will throw again today in Los Angeles. He's throwing all of his pitches.

``When he had the back problem, I think we all realized that we really didn't know when he'd be back,'' Dodgers general manager Dan Evans said. ``Rehabilitation is different for every guy.

``We have a real strong chance to have him back before the end of the season, but at the same time, I'm not counting on him. Until we know for sure, we've got to approach it that way.''

Brown hasn't pitched to hitters, but that should come soon. He also must pitch in simulated games and is expected to go on a rehabilitation assignment.

``I don't want to get too excited,'' Evans said. ``You never know what the next couple of weeks will bring. If he were on a rehab, I could get my hopes up. He's got a long way to go before he's reinstated. He has to continue to make progress and build arm strength.''

His teammates are approaching Brown's status with the same mindset.

``He's the ace of our staff and any time we can get him back, that's great,'' outfielder Dave Roberts said. ``But I don't think guys are standing around waiting for him to get back.

``When we get him back, great. But we're not holding our breath, as much as we'd like to have him back. If we don't, we've shown we can win without him. But we're a much better team with him.''

Brown is 2-3 with a 4.06 ERA in nine starts this season. His season was cut short last year by elbow surgery and he battled elbow problems this year.

``Just his presence, even if he was in the bullpen - and he's too hard-headed, he wouldn't do that - would be great for us,'' reliever Jesse Orosco said.

Brown's back had so bothered him that it was a chore to get out of bed. However, he seemed to be a new man postsurgery.

``I think it's been a tremendous mental burden has been lifted from him to where he can be free and easy,'' Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said. ``That's very uplifting for anyone who's been through what he's been through.''

Outfielder Marquis Grissom believes Brown could be a key in the pennant race and postseason. Grissom faced Brown in the 1997 World Series when he was with Cleveland and Brown pitched for Florida. Grissom had two hits and a run in the Indians' Game 2 victory in which Brown lost.

``I've been telling him for a long time, 'Take it easy. We need you in September,' '' Grissom said. ``I faced him in the World Series in '97. I know what he can do, especially when the pressure's on.''

DODGERS vs. CINCINNATI

Time: 4:10 p.m., Cinergy Field.

TV/Radio: Fox Sports Net 2; 1150-AM, 1330-AM (Spanish).

Matchup: Although he received a lot of run support early this season, LH Kazuhisa Ishii (12-6, 3.36 ERA) hasn't been getting much help. The Dodgers have scored seven runs in his past six starts. RH Ryan Dempster (5-11, 5.44 ERA) lasted just 2 1/3 innings in his last start, allowing four runs on seven hits against Pittsburgh. Dempster is 0-3 with the Reds since he was traded from the Marlins. Wednesday - RH Hideo Nomo (10-6, 3.33 ERA) vs. RH Elmer Dessens (7-5, 2.68); Thursday - LH Odalis Perez (10-7. 3.30) vs. unknown.

- Jill Painter

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DODGERS vs. CINCINNATI (see text)