DODGERS NOTEBOOK: L.A. MIGHT HAVE TO DEAL RELIEVER OSUNA'S IMMINENT RETURN WILL PRODUCE GLUT.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

The Dodgers wanted bullpen depth, and by the time they embark on a 12-game road trip Monday, they might have more of it than they know what to do with.

Dodgers manager Davey Johnson said rehabbing righty Antonio Osuna could be ready to join the club when they play in Arizona. But to activate Osuna, the Dodgers need to clear a roster spot.

``I would prefer not to go to 12 (pitchers),'' Johnson said. ``I'd prefer not to shorten my bench. (Geronimo) Berroa is a guy we held out before. I would prefer not to go that direction because Arizona is a club that throws left-handers at you.''

If Johnson's thinking remains consistent through Osuna's next two outings for Triple-A Albuquerque, it means Berroa will remain with the club. It could also mean the Dodgers will be forced to either send right- hander Matt Herges to the minors or trade one of their relievers. They certainly don't want to send Herges out. He's yet to allow an earned run in 17 innings.

The Dodgers are hoping teams in need of relief help begin to shop around in the next few days, but so far the only inquiries have been about Terry Adams, Mike Fetters and Herges.

Not only are those three the best set-up men in the Dodgers bullpen - they have a combined 0.85 ERA - but they make economical sense. The trio makes a combined $2.16 million this season while struggling right-hander Alan Mills is owed more than twice that in the next two years.

Osuna has an option remaining, and he could be activated and then sent to the minors. But the Dodgers might be willing to showcase him for a trade.

``I'll be interested to see where he's at,'' Johnson said. ``I feel we have a strong bullpen, and if he's throwing like the reports indicate, then it'll make it stronger down there. The question is where do you go?''

--Tell-ing Rocker: Andrew Tellers, the fan who ran onto the field and mooned Atlanta closer John Rocker in the bottom of the ninth Monday at Dodger Stadium, said he did so because he was disgusted with Rocker's behavior following his verbal bashing of gays, immigrants and minorities.

``It wasn't premeditated,'' said the 24-year-old from Bellflower. ``It was a spur-of-the-moment thing. I hated him before just because he pitched for a different team. I hated him more for what he said. After his remarks, he deserved to be mooned.

``I apologized to the security guards and the police,'' added Tellers, who had ``John is off his Rocker'' written on his arm. ``I wouldn't do it again in the future, and I wouldn't do it to another player, but if I could go back, I'd do the same thing. I do have remorse. Someone had to do it. I'm hoping fans don't run on the field anymore.''

Several of the Braves got a chuckle out of it, but it is a serious issue. Derrick Hall, Dodgers senior vice president of communications, said extra security was added for Tuesday's game. In addition, Tellers has a May 22 court date to face what he said was a misdemeanor charge for disrupting a sporting event. He also faces a fine, though he said spectators in his section donated $100 before he ran onto the field.

--Odds and ends: Dodgers first baseman Eric Karros was scratched from the lineup because of flu-like symptoms. Berroa made his second start in Karros' place. Karros is day-to-day. . . . Atlanta's Brian Jordan was a late scratch because of a strained left rib cage, allowing former Dodger Trenidad Hubbard to start in right. Jordan is day-to-day.

DODGERS VS. ATLANTA

Time: 7:05 p.m., at Dodger Stadium.

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

Matchup: The Dodgers conclude their three-game series with the Braves in a game that appears to be a mismatch based on the pitchers. Lefty Carlos Perez (2-1, 4.62 ERA) starts for the Dodgers against four-time Cy Young winner Greg Maddux (4-0, 2.49). Perez has performed better than expected, especially his last two starts in which he is 1-0 with a 3.27 ERA. Perez is tied with Eric Gagne for the staff lead with five homers allowed. Maddux is making his seventh start of the season. He allowed one earned run in seven innings in beating San Diego on Friday.

- Brian Dohn

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Box: Dodgers vs. Atlanta (see text)