DODGERS NOTEBOOK: JOHNSON ADDS RELIEF TO BULLPEN.

Byline: Brian Dohn Daily News Staff Writer

With the dawning of a new day, it can only mean there is news regarding the Dodgers' bullpen. It's been like that since spring training began and the trend has slowed little.

Tuesday, the Dodgers purchased the contract of right-hander Jamie Arnold from Triple-A Albuquerque and designated catcher Rick Wilkins for assignment.

Arnold, a former No. 1 pick of the Atlanta Braves, was in uniform for the Dodgers' game against Atlanta.

It pushes the pitching staff to 12 and it comes because manager Davey Johnson said he needed another option in the bullpen. Antonio Osuna is recovering from a blister, not to mention coming off elbow surgery, and Alan Mills, who's pitched in seven games already, has some tenderness in his right arm.

``I need a few more innings out of them,'' Johnson said of his bullpen. ``I can't use Mills every day. . . . Osuna, he still needs to be nursed, maybe.''

Since the Dodgers left Arizona on Thursday, their bullpen has been revamped.

They dealt long-man Dave Mlicki and Mel Rojas to Detroit for right-hander Robinson Checo and a pair of minor-leaguers. Checo's first outing with the Dodgers produced five earned runs in 3-1/3 innings.

Also Osuna was activated from the disabled list and his blister and recovery from elbow surgery limits his availability.

Johnson said it was necessary to promote Arnold, 25, who has pitched in 15 games above the Double-A level. Arnold was 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA with Albuquerque.

``I want to (integrate the bullpen) on my schedule, that's why 12 pitchers,'' Johnson said. ``There's too much at stake here to be short on pitching.''

Wilkins, 33, was the Dodgers' third catcher behind Todd Hundley and Paul LoDuca. He signed a split contract between the major and minor leagues and said he would accept an assignment to Albuquerque if he clears waivers.

``I was talking to Davey and he said somebody would probably claim me, so we'll have to see what happens. He doesn't think I'll clear waivers,'' said Wilkins, 0 for 4 this season. ``I feel like I have a lot left to where I can contribute.''

Skipping a start? Johnson said a decision hasn't been made on which Dodgers pitcher would be skipped in the rotation, a necessity since they are off Thursday and Monday.

However, struggling lefty Carlos Perez is the most likely candidate. Perez (0-3) is coming off an outing in which he allowed six runs in 3-2/3 innings.

``It probably wouldn't hurt Carlos to have a couple good side workouts,'' Johnson said. ``With the exception of (Monday), he's pitched OK. But when he goes, he goes quick.''

A day of rest: A day after dropping shortstop Mark Grudzielanek to eighth in the batting order, Johnson decided to give him the day off. Grudzielanek has been fine defensively, but he's hitting .216 with two RBI. He's also struck out six times and is yet to walk.

``Grudzielanek is fighting himself, worrying about too much,'' Johnson said. ``He's too good of an athlete to worry. He looks like he's about ready to explode, fighting it. The best thing is to pull him away from it. The guy's got a lot of talent. I want him to relax and use it.''

Balks, walks and chalk: Dodgers outfielder Todd Hollandsworth had an RBI in a rehab start with Class A San Bernardino. He started in left field. . . . Dodgers third baseman Adrian Beltre extended his hitting streak to nine games with a second-inning single. . . . Saturday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals - i.e., Mark McGwire - is sold out. . . . The Dodgers went over the 100 million mark in attendance since moving to Dodger Stadium.

DODGERS vs. ATLANTA

Time: 7:35 p.m., at Dodger Stadium.

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

Matchup: The Dodgers and Braves finish their three-game series with Dodgers ace Kevin Brown (1-1, 3.15 ERA) meeting 20-year-old left-hander Odalis Perez (0-0, 0.00). Brown had his road winning streak snapped at eight games Friday in San Diego and makes his first appearance against the Braves since pitching 6-1/3 shutout innings in last year's NLCS. Perez pitched six shutout innings in his only start of the season but wasn't part of the decision. He also pitched a scoreless inning of relief.

- Brian Dohn

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BOX: DODGERS vs. ATLANTA (see text)