DODGERS NOTEBOOK: TOMKO TO WORK IN RELIEF.

Byline: TONY JACKSON Staff Writer

PHOENIX -- Dodgers right-hander Brett Tomko, who has been on the 15-day disabled list for the past three weeks with a strained left oblique, will work out of the bullpen when he returns from his upcoming minor-league rehabilitation assignment.

Manager Grady Little approached Tomko about the switch last week to gauge his willingness, but didn't make the final decision until Wednesday. Tomko said last weekend he was intrigued by the possibility of pitching in relief.

The move should bolster what has been a shaky Dodgers bullpen and also will allow Tomko to return from his rehab assignment more quickly because he won't have to gradually build himself up to a requisite number of innings and pitches for a starter.

``I would say he won't need more than a couple of times out of the pen (on rehab), just so we can see him warm up, come into a game and test his rib cage in game action,'' Little said. ``We're not really particular about seeing him back-to-back days. I feel like he is able to do that anyway if he isn't hurting, and he doesn't seem to be hurting.''

Little said Tomko would be used in middle relief, but toward the end of games. He also said there is a good chance Tomko will be used for more than one inning at a time.

``This isn't to say he won't start again (in the future),'' Little said.

Tomko is scheduled to pitch to hitters for the first time today. Barring a setback, he then will leave Friday to begin his rehab at Triple-A Las Vegas.

Martin out: Catcher Russell Martin, who was hit by a pitch on the meaty portion of his right hand in Tuesday's game, was a late scratch on Wednesday when he felt lingering discomfort there during batting practice. The injury isn't believed to be serious, and Martin could return as soon as tonight.

``It's just sore every time I swing,'' he said. ``I could play, but they want me to take it slow. They're going to give me the day off so I don't make it worse by playing.''

Little said he was planning to give Martin a rare game off tonight anyway, something he still might do to give the rookie two full days to heal.

Also: Third baseman Cesar Izturis' wife is scheduled to be released from a Los Angeles hospital today after giving birth via C-section to the couple's second child, a daughter, on Monday. If his wife is released early enough, Izturis will rejoin the team in time for tonight's

game. ... Outfielder Jason Repko (sprained left ankle) has six hits in his past two rehab games for Las Vegas and is hitting .318. He could rejoin the big club within a week.