DODGERS NOTEBOOK: TOMKO PLACED ON DL.

Byline: TONY JACKSON Staff Writer

MINNEAPOLIS -- Four days after he left a start early because of a strained left oblique, Dodgers right-hander Brett Tomko was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday to clear a roster spot following a five-player trade with Tampa Bay.

The move was made retroactive to Saturday, shutting Tomko down through at least July 8.

Manager Grady Little said Tomko should be ready to pitch when he becomes eligible for activation July 9, the last day before the All-Star break.

``It's a lot better, but he has a ways to go,'' Dodgers trainer Stan Johnston said. ``That muscle is used a lot for pitching.''

Alomar stoic: Backup catcher Sandy Alomar has started just four games since Russell Martin's promotion to the big leagues May 5. He will start even less, now that the club has acquired Toby Hall from Tampa Bay to be Martin's primary backup.

``I don't think it affects me much,'' Alomar said. ``I'm not playing much, anyway.''

Alomar, 40, is a six-time All-Star and is hitting .352 in what little playing time he has had. For that reason, Little plans to frequently use him as a pinch-hitter now that he has the flexibility of a third catcher on the active roster.

``He'll be a valuable pinch hitter for us, and I won't be scared to use him any time now,'' Little said.

Meanwhile, Alomar will continue in his role assisting in Martin's development.

``I'll mentor anybody, not just Russell,'' Alomar said. ``Any of the young guys who need help, I'm willing to help them. There are a lot of things they have to deal with in this game. Hey, I'm still learning, too. It's just part of the game.''

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