DODGERS NOTEBOOK: MATTINGLY RETURN IMMINENT.

Byline: Tony Jackson 

Staff Writer

Dodgers hitting coach Mike Easler, who had operated all season under the "interim" tag, was philosophical in response to being told by manager Joe Torre and general manager Ned Colletti late Tuesday night that Don Mattingly will reclaim the job after the All-Star break, forcing Easler into a roving minor-league hitting instructor's role.

Mattingly had a standing offer to return any time after he withdrew on Jan. 22 to deal with his ongoing divorce.

"I kind of had an inkling it was going to happen," Easler said. "That's Joe's man, and I understand that. I have given this organization three years, and I will continue to give it everything I have. I love the Dodgers, and I hope they get to the World Series."

Easler committed to remaining with the organization for the rest of the season, but said he and his agent would immediately begin exploring possible opportunities for next year. At the time Easler was promoted to fill Mattingly's spot, he was the hitting coach for the Dodgers' Triple-A Las Vegas affiliate, a role that has since been filled by John Moses.

Gene Clines is the Dodgers' official roving hitting instructor, and Jeff Pentland was added after he was fired last month by Seattle along with manager John McLaren. Clubs traditionally employ only one roving hitting instructor, but Torre said having three will allow the club to try to implement Torre's hitting philosophy throughout the minor-league system.

Torre seemed to say the switch to Mattingly was no reflection on Easler's performance. The Dodgers have struggled offensively for most of the season, but they finally seemed in recent days to be getting untracked.

"Mike came on board to hold down the fort until Donnie was able to join us on a full-time basis, and this is that time," Torre said. "Donnie has been with me for a few years now, and he is one of the guys, along with (third-base coach) Larry Bowa, I felt were necessary to come in with me. I feel like we're getting a little more whole."

Mattingly was Torre's bench coach with the New York Yankees last season and his hitting coach for three seasons before that. He is widely believed to be in line to take over as the Dodgers' manager when Torre's contract expires after the 2010 season, although no one in the organization has ever confirmed that.

Martin update

Right-hander Ethan Martin, the Dodgers first-round pick in this year's amateur draft, attended Wednesday's game with his family, an obvious sign he is close to agreeing on a signing bonus of what is believed to be $1.73 million. Martin, 19, who recently graduated from Stephens County (Ga.) High School, also will attend tonight's game against Florida.