DODGERS NOTEBOOK: PITCHING STAFF WON'T CHANGE.

Byline: Tony Jackson  Staff Writer

MILWAUKEE - Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said Monday he has not discussed with general manager Paul DePodesta the possibility of cutting back to a more traditional 11-man pitching staff, despite getting complete-game efforts from its starters in two of the previous three games.

Two relievers - Buddy Carlyle and D.J. Houlton - entered Monday night's game with Milwaukee having gone five days without appearing in a game. But Tracy said that isn't a concern.

``You know the reason Houlton is on the ballclub,'' Tracy said, referring to Houlton's status as a Rule 5 draft pick. ``The beauty of Buddy Carlyle is that he throws strikes. He could go a long time without pitching and still come out throwing strikes.''

Tracy also brushed off the notion that his bench is short one player because the club is carrying a 12-man pitching staff. The Dodgers are leading the majors in runs scored, meaning there isn't that much need for a deep bench, anyway.

--Long layoff: Another Dodgers pitcher who hasn't seen much action lately is Elmer Dessens, who will make a second spot start against the Brewers today. Dessens has been available out of the bullpen since his first spot start, a solid, 5 2/3-inning effort on April 8 at Arizona, but warmed up only once and never got into a game.

``I feel pretty good,'' said Dessens, who will be limited to about 80 pitches. ``I threw on the side three times, so I should be fine.

--Penny update: Brad Penny started for Triple-A Las Vegas against Colorado Springs on Monday night, pitching six innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out nine.

Tracy said no decision will be made on whether to activate Penny and start him Sunday at Colorado until Wednesday in San Diego, so the matter can be discussed with DePodesta and physical therapist Pat Screnar. DePodesta and Screnar were with Penny in Las Vegas.

Tony Jackson,[phone]

tony.jackson(at)dailynews.com