DODGERS NOTEBOOK: IT'S CLEAR: DESSENS IS WANTED.

Byline: Tony Jackson Staff Writer

DENVER - The nature of the role in which Dodgers right-hander Elmer Dessens finds himself is that it doesn't come with much notoriety. A longtime starter in the big leagues, Dessens is pitching in long relief for the Dodgers, a spot that, in a perfect world, he wouldn't be needed all that often.

The Dodgers, of course, do not live in a perfect world. And Dessens, who over his past eight appearances has allowed just one earned run in 15 innings, has become a critical piece of the club's beleaguered bullpen.

``Over the last few weeks, this guy has been terrific,'' Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said.

As the Dodgers slowly come to grips with the fact it is time to start looking toward 2006, there is a question as to whether they can count on Dessens in that same role next year. He has a $1.3 million mutual option, one the Dodgers appear willing to exercise. Although Dessens has found the Dodgers to be a nice fit, at least in part because of Los Angeles' proximity to his home outside Phoenix, he also would like to return to starting on a regular basis.

Dessens stopped short of saying that is a prerequisite to him agreeing to exercise his option.

``We'll just have to see,'' he said. ``I'm not really thinking about it right now. I just want to finish the season strong. But I do like it here.''

Dodgers general manager Paul DePodesta, who acquired Dessens from Arizona for nondescript minor-league outfielder Jereme Milons, sounded Sunday like he wants Dessens back next season.

``It's certainly something we have talked about,'' DePodesta said. ``We think Elmer has done a terrific job for us.''

Dessens entered Sunday's 7-6, 10-inning loss to Colorado in the bottom of the seventh, just after Jeff Kent tied the score with a grand slam.

--Injury updates: Dodgers shortstop Cesar Izturis (lower back), who will be eligible to return from the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, ran on a treadmill and did what Tracy called ``some activities with a bat.'' With the club off Thursday, it likely will be at least Friday before Izturis is activated.

Meanwhile, left-hander Wilson Alvarez (shoulder) threw a 25-pitch side session and probably will need one or two more before he returns. Alvarez figures to make no more than a handful of relief appearances before his anticipated retirement after the season.

--Also: Reliever Giovanni Carrara, who has been away tending to his ailing son, is expected to rejoin the team for tonight's homestand opener against San Francisco. ... If Brad Penny goes at least 3 1/3 innings in his first start back from suspension Tuesday night, he will hit the first of his contract incentives (160 innings), earning an additional $25,000 on top of his $5.1 million base salary.