DODGERS NOTEBOOK: BREAK OVER: GAGNE THROWS IN FRAY.

Byline: Jill Painter Staff Writer

ATLANTA - Sounds strange, but Eric Gagne hadn't been in this situation for a while.

Gagne pitched with the lead for the first time in seven days.

When the Dodgers offense isn't scoring runs, one of the league's top closers can't pitch. He pitched an inning against the Philadelphia Phillies on July 31, but the Dodgers were trailing by six runs. Gagne can get work in on the side, but it's not the same as facing live batters.

``I just play catch and try to throw on flat ground and the mound,'' Gagne said. ``I try to stay sharp but it's difficult. It's not the same. It feels good to get out there.''

And what a way to return.

Gagne faced Gary Sheffield, Chipper Jones and Javy Lopez. He struck out Sheffield and Jones and got Lopez to ground out. Gagne has pitched in just two save situations in the past 15 games.

--Burnitz bothered: Jeromy Burnitz was ejected for the first two games of the Atlanta Braves series for arguing balls and strikes. Whatever anyone's assessment is, his passion for the game hasn't gone unnoticed.

``He cares,'' Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said. ``I don't like to see people get ejected unless they have a real legitimate case.''

Tracy was ejected as well Saturday, for the second time in 11 games. He's been ejected eight times in his three-year career, including four times this season.

--Trading places: The Dodgers lineup featured yet another new look Sunday. Tracy batted Shawn Green third, Robin Ventura cleanup and Burnitz, which meant there were three consecutive left-handers.

--Injury report: Ron Coomer (jaw) spent the past three days with Single-A Vero Beach (Fla.) and was activated from the disabled list after Sunday's game. He joined the team in Atlanta.

Coomer was placed on the disabled list July 11 with dizziness and headaches, stemming from jaw problems.

``I'm doing good,'' Coomer said. ``I got some more injections and I'll be able to play with no problems. I feel much better.'' ...

Kazuhisa Ishii is expected to have an MRI on his knee today.

--Rotation set: Kevin Brown will start the first game of the series against Cincinnati on Tuesday, followed by Odalis Perez and Hideo Nomo. Andy Ashby will start Friday against the Chicago Cubs, and Wilson Alvarez and Brown will complete the series. Alvarez is making a spot start for Ishii, who is on the disabled list.

--Oops! Play had to be stopped for a few seconds after Braves reliever Roberto Hernandez inadvertently tossed a baseball onto the field while he was warming up in the bullpen Sunday.

The Braves bullpen, which is in right field, is perpendicular to the outfield. The pitchers throw toward the outfield, and Hernandez's throw went over the wall and rolled nearly all the way to second base. His first pitch of relief in the sixth was wild too, sailing over the head of Lopez and all the way to the backstop.

--News and notes: Bench player Larry Barnes was designated for assignment after Sunday's game, and so was Scott Mullen. ... Paul Lo Duca, who was hit by a pitch on his left foot Saturday, was given the day off. It's the first time since May 29 that Lo Duca has had a day off on a game day. ... It's possible fans will get a glimpse of prospect Edwin Jackson before the season is over. Tracy said he didn't know but wouldn't rule it out. Jackson is 6-6 with a 3.66 ERA with Double-A Jacksonville (Fla.). He has 128 strikeouts in 123 1/3 innings. He struck out eight in his start Friday. ... Robert Fick, a Cal State Northridge product, is the most productive Braves player with the bases loaded. He leads the team with 18 RBI in that situation. Fick is batting .300 with 10 home runs and 61 RBI.

Jill Painter, [phone]

jill.painter(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

Dodgers shortstop Cesar Izturis leaps to avoid Atlanta's Marcus Giles as he tries to turn a double play in the first inning.

Gregory Smith/Associated Press