INSIDE THE NL: PADRES' ROTATION IS REELING.

Byline: Tony Jackson Staff Writer

At a point when the Dodgers aren't creating many of their own breaks, they might have gotten a lucky one this week. The first-place San Diego Padres, who already were missing left-hander David Wells, took another hit to their starting rotation when staff ace Jake Peavy was sidelined with a forearm ailment.

Peavy joined Wells on the 15-day disabled list.

``We still feel it's tendinitis,'' Padres manager Bruce Bochy said. ``We're doing this for precautionary reasons.''

Peavy, one of the most promising young arms in the majors, was 4-2 with a National League-best 2.01 ERA. He experienced tightness in the forearm after each of his past two starts, which is why he was skipped the last time through the rotation. That decision was made to give him nine days between starts, but it didn't work. After a light throwing session Tuesday, Peavy experienced increased pain Wednesday, prompting the move.

Meanwhile, there were more revelations this week about the strange circumstances surrounding Wells' injury. Wells, 41, severed a tendon in his right wrist on the evening of May 16 after he fell at home with a glass in his hand. It now turns out that Wells also suffered a badly bruised big toe the same night when he banged into a bar stool while chasing a friend.

The toe has become as much of a concern as the wrist and is partly to blame for the fact Wells' scheduled return was pushed back again this week. Wells, who isn't expected back before June 10, has been fitted with a protective shoe to immobilize the toe.

When Wells is cleared to begin throwing, he also will be fitted with a wrist splint that will allow him to wear a fielder's glove.

--Looking ahead: Although there apparently have been no formal discussions between the teams, the Chicago Cubs reportedly have had internal discussions about pursuing Seattle, Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki for the stretch run.

The Cubs, who have nine players on the disabled list, lack a prototypical leadoff man. Suzuki might be the best leadoff man in the game.

``I haven't had any serious discussions with anyone,'' said Cubs general manager Jim Hendry, being careful to toe the line of baseball's tampering rules. ``Honestly, my first and foremost priority is to get our own (injured players) back. Come July, we'll see what we need, but right now, it's way too early.''

As for all the injuries, manager Dusty Baker was as quotable as ever.

``Life's a test,'' he said. ``I was taught in church that the Lord wouldn't put more on you than you can handle, but it's getting heavy.''

--Hidalgo benched: Slumping Houston right fielder Richard Hidalgo was replaced in the lineup by Orlando Palmeiro one day last week. While Astros manager Jimy Williams was quick to say it wasn't the start of a platoon situation, Palmeiro figures to get more playing time.

Hidalgo, once one of the league's most feared hitters, entered Friday batting .192 in May.

Tony Jackson,[phone]

tony.jackson(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

Angels outfielder Jeff DaVanon, right, stoops to pet Hootch, a French mastiff, as other dogs and their owners walk around U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago before Saturday's game against the White Sox. During the pet-friendly promotion, dog owners were encouraged to bring their pets to the ballpark and circle the field before the game.

Jeff Roberson/Associated Press

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AROUND THE HORN

By Rich Hammond