DODGERS NOTEBOOK: PEREZ PROGRESSES, BRADLEY REGRESSES.

Byline: Rich Hammond  Staff Writer

If the Dodgers had a choice, they'd rather see Milton Bradley return to the active roster before Odalis Perez. So desperate is the team for some spark in the middle of the batting order that any hint of the outfielder's return is met with baited breath.

Unfortunately, that's not how it's going to work out. Perez, out since May 15 with shoulder soreness, will make a fourth rehabilitation start for Triple-A Las Vegas Thursday and could return to the Dodgers next week while Bradley, out since May 30 with a torn ligament in his right ring finger, appears to making no progress.

In fact, things might be getting worse for Bradley. After improving to the point where he could begin taking practice swings, Bradley had to stop after only a few swings Monday because of persistent discomfort.

``(Swinging the bat) started to bother him some, even right-handed,'' manager Jim Tracy said, referring to the fact that the switch-hitting Bradley previously had an easier time swinging right-handed.

Surgery remains an option for Bradley, although the Dodgers will discuss it publicly. Bradley injured the finger May 29 and has made almost no progress in the past four weeks.

When asked if Bradley would have to undergo more tests, Tracy said, ``We'll see.''

The news is better for Perez, who will have his pitch count upped to 75 on Thursday. Perez didn't fare well on Saturday, when he threw 64 pitches, but said his shoulder felt great.

``Uno mas,'' Perez said, indicating that he would be activated from the disabled list after a final rehab tuneup. ``I could have gone longer last time but that's not what they wanted.''

Perez said he hoped to throw 80 to 85 pitches on Thursday, but he likely will be held short of that.

--Injury report: J.D. Drew (knee soreness) returned to the lineup in center field and reclaimed his No. 3 spot in the order, with Jeff Kent returning to the cleanup sport.

Tracy stopped short of saying Drew felt 100 percent, only that he was healthy enough to play.

``We'll just have to see how he responds,'' Tracy said.

Olmedo Saenz, who suffered a slight hip flexor strain Sunday, did not start, but took batting practice, and Tracy said before the game that Saenz might be available for pinch-hitting duty.

Pitcher Wilson Alvarez (shoulder) threw 30 pitches in a bullpen session.

--Staying put: The Dodgers chose to pay $200,000 to the Mexico City Red Devils to keep Oscar Robles on their roster rather than return him to the Red Devils for the Mexican League playoffs.

The Dodgers could have saved the money by letting Robles return to Mexico, then taking him back after that season ended, but chose to keep him. Monday was the deadline to make that decision.

Robles, a reserve infielder, entered Monday hitting .237 (9 for 38) with one RBI.