DODGERS NOTEBOOK: ALVAREZ REMAINS ACTIVE.

Byline: Tony Jackson  Staff Writer

WASHINGTON - Dodgers left-hander Wilson Alvarez has decided not only to fly here today and rejoin the club, but also to remain on the active roster.

Alvarez, who didn't travel with the club on Sunday because his chronically sore shoulder was bothering him and he contemplated going home to Bradenton, Fla., threw without pain at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday under the supervision of physical therapist Pat Screnar.

Still at issue is how much Alvarez will be able to help the club in what will continue to be a limited role.

``When he gets here, he will sit down with (pitching coach Jim Colborn) and I, and we will have a discussion as to his use,'' Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said.

But Alvarez, 35, already is available for what essentially is the bare minimum. The shoulder problem prevents him from starting, but it also prevents him from being used as a conventional, situational lefty out of the bullpen because he can't pitch every day.

That would seem to indicate that signing Alvarez last winter to a two-year, $4 million contract that guarantees him $2 million in each of those seasons might have been a mistake.

--Settling in: Jose Valentin said Wednesday he already is feeling comfortable in left field, the only position that was open for him when he was activated last week from the 15-day disabled list. He made a strong throw to the plate on Tuesday night to save a run, forcing Washington's Brad Wilkerson to hold at third. A career left-side infielder, Valentin has played most of his outfield in the Puerto Rican Winter League, where stadiums are smaller and flyballs are judged mostly against the sky. In the majors, they are judged mostly against a backdrop of fans in the upper deck.

--Erickson outrighted: Veteran right-hander Scott Erickson, who was designated for assignment last week, has cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Tony Jackson,[phone]

tony.jackson(at)dailynews.com