DODGERS NOTEBOOK: PEREZ X-RAY IS NEGATIVE.

Byline: Matt McHale Daily News Staff Writer

Left-hander Carlos Perez, who has struggled since joining the Dodgers on the July 31 trading deadline, was examined Wednesday for injuries he suffered in an auto accident a week before he joined the club.

Perez, winless in five Dodgers starts with a 6.35 ERA, had an X-ray on his nonpitching shoulder during a morning meeting with Dr. William Dillin, the club's back specialist. The results were negative, but there is considerable swelling in the shoulder and Perez was given anti-inflammatory medication.

``It is not something that I will blame for my problems,'' said Perez, who also broke his nose in the accident. ``It has been hard to sleep, but I don't sleep a lot anyway.''

Perez, 30, joined the Dodgers on Aug. 1 with shortstop Mark Grudzielanek and pitched seven scoreless that day against the New York Mets. Perez, who usually displays excellent control, walked six that day and his control remains one of his biggest problems (16 in 28-1/3 IP).

``I can't explain that,'' said Perez, who starts Friday in the series opener against the New York Mets. ``I feel comfortable here. My fastball feels good and so does my changeup, but I've had some trouble with my split (fingered fastball). I just haven't been sharp `'

Expos officials say the auto accident was serious and Perez was lucky to suffer light injuries when the car he was driving July 26 struck a pole. For the six days before his first start with the Dodgers, Perez did not run or throw.

Galarraga suspended: Braves first baseman Andres Galarraga was suspended Wednesday by National League president Leonard Coleman for charging the mound after being hit by a pitch last Saturday by Dodgers right-hander Darren Dreifort.

Galarraga has been hit 22 times this season and vowed last Tuesday that he would charge the next pitcher that threw at him. Dreifort also hit Galarraga with a pitch Aug. 16. The two exchanged words, but Saturday's incident led to a bench-clearing brawl.

The Braves vowed they would retaliate against Dreifort, upsetting interim general manager Tom Lasorda, who called for a suspension longer than the standard three games.

Wednesday, however, Lasorda said he was pleased with the punishment.

``That's what (San Francisco's) Barry Bonds got when he charged the mound (in Philadelphia last month),'' Lasorda said. ``I just wanted them to be consistent.''

More Lasorda: Lasorda, who received a huge ovation when he appeared on the left-field video screen in the third inning, spent much of Wednesday in interviews with Florida Marlins general manager Dave Dombrowski, who is here to talk about the vacant GM position.

The Dodgers are expected to speak this weekend with New York Mets assistant Omar Minaya, who is not believed to be a serious candidate.

Lasorda, however, dismissed reports that appeared in New York-area Newsday that Mets' manager Bobby Valentine is being considered for the Dodgers GM position. ``I laughed out loud when I heard that one,'' Lasorda said.

Valentine has two years remaining on his contract that stipulates he cannot manage with any other team. However, some believe that does not exclude him from taking a GM position. Lasorda said he has not approached club president Bob Graziano about an interview for Valentine, Lasorda's closest friend in the game.

DODGERS vs. MONTREAL

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

TV/Radio: Channel 5; 1150-AM, KWKW 1330-AM (Spanish).

Matchup: In the series finale between the two clubs, Darren Dreifort (6-12, 3.76) faces rookie right-hander Jeremy Powell (1-4, 6.95). Dreifort threw only 13 pitches in his last start, coming out of last Saturday's game against Atlanta after the bench-clearing brawl with the Braves. Dreifort received several scrapes, including a six-inch abrasion on his right ebow, but is considered ready to go. Powell earned his first major-league victory Aug. 6 when the Expos defeated the Dodgers 9-0. He has not won since.

- Matt McHale

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BOX: DODGERS vs. MONTREAL (see text)