DODGERS NOTEBOOK: BRADLEY TOSSED FROM HIS FINAL REHAB GAME.

Byline: Tony Jackson  Staff Writer

NEW YORK - Dodgers outfielder Milton Bradley, who has been out the past eight weeks with a torn ligament in his right ring finger, is expected to be activated from the 15-day disabled list in time for today's game with the New York Mets.

If ever there was a sign Bradley was in midseason form, it was in the final game of his rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday night, when he was ejected for arguing a called third strike.

Bradley played in only five games for the 51s, going 4 for 13, and although his bat will be a boon to the Dodgers' struggling lineup, he will be used judiciously.

``He won't (start) eight, nine, 10 games in a row,'' Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said.

The Dodgers are carrying 12 pitchers, but the most logical roster move to make room for Bradley will be to send outfielder Chin-Feng Chen back to the minors, although he is out of options and would have to clear waivers. Chen entered Friday with just eight at-bats since his contract was purchased from Las Vegas on July 4.

``As far as the corresponding roster move, I won't discuss it at this time, because it's something we will make a decision on (today),'' Tracy said.

Bradley will reclaim his customary spot in center field, flanked probably by Jayson Werth in right and some combination of Mike Edwards, Ricky Ledee and Jason Repko in left.

--No comment: Dodgers pitcher Brad Penny declined to speak publicly about the five-game suspension and $2,000 fine he received from the commissioner's office for his on- field actions July 14 against San Francisco. That's the night he threw his batting helmet, was ejected from the game in the third inning by plate umpire Rob Drake and had to be restrained by Tracy and bench coach Jim Lett from going after Drake.

Penny is appealing the suspension, but there is no word on when the appeal will be heard.

Tracy believes the suspension was too harsh, but he said he met privately with Penny on July 15 to discuss the incident that began with Penny arguing a call first-base umpire Alfonso Marquez - who ruled Penny out after Penny crossed first base safely, turned to his left and was tagged out - correctly made.

``We talked about what went right and what went wrong,'' Tracy said. ``There wasn't a whole lot that was right. Let the manager take up the argument at first base. The fact is, not only did (Marquez) make the correct call, but he gave me the correct explanation of it.''

--McCourt in town: Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, in New York for business related to his non-baseball holdings, is staying at the team's Manhattan hotel and attended Friday's game.