PEREZ'S DODGERS DAYS APPEAR DONE.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

CINCINNATI - The Dodgers cut ties with general manager Kevin Malone and now they're willing to do the same with one of Malone's closest links: high-priced, ineffective left-hander Carlos Perez.

Perez's 30-day minor-league rehab assignment ends Friday and the Dodgers are willing to take the $7.5 million hit and release him if a trade doesn't materialize and the enigmatic lefty won't agree to a minor-league assignment.

But whatever is the case, sources said Perez won't be added to the Dodgers' 25-man roster when the decision is due.

``It's my understanding with (CEO) Mr. (Bob) Daly and (president) Mr. (Bob) Graziano that we are to make a decision on what is best for the ballclub,'' Dodgers interim general manager Dave Wallace said.

It will be hard for the Dodgers to justify sending Eric Gagne or Luke Prokopec to the minors to make room for Perez, who is recovering from September shoulder surgery, given the way he's pitched. His last scheduled start is Thursday.

Perez's velocity is still down, he was clocked for six earned runs on 10 hits in 4 1/3 innings for Triple-A Las Vegas against Edmonton in his last start, he has a history of problems on the field and he's 7-18 in the last two seasons. Perez has a 6.15 ERA with Las Vegas. He's 2-1, with eight walks and 19 strikeouts in 26 1/3 innings.

That Perez is guaranteed $7.5 million in the final year of a three-year, $15.6 million deal doesn't seem to an issue.

``I understand he's mid-80s, talking 86, 87 mph,'' said Perez's agent, Adam Katz. ``He's used to pitching 88, 89, 90. If he's not pitching there, I think you can deduce he's not fully healthy.''

However, Wallace said there's been no talk of asking the players' association to extend the rehab assignment.

--Ashby's delayed timetable: Dodgers right-hander Andy Ashby apparently won't be activated during the team's six-game road trip because of his strained right elbow.

Ashby played catch for 10 minutes and threw 30 pitches (all fastballs) during a bullpen session before Tuesday's game. Ashby said he'll probably throw another bullpen session Thursday and perhaps pitch a simulated game in Chicago during the weekend.

``The main thing now is to get to a point where I can throw without feeling it,'' said Ashby, who hasn't pitched since April 12. ``I don't think (the pain is) going to be totally gone, but it's going to be gone enough where it's not going to be barking.''

--Odds and ends: Second baseman Mark Grudzielanek (sprained right thumb) and left fielder Gary Sheffield (strained left index finger) returned to the lineup after missing four games apiece with the injuries. Sheffield had four hits and Grudzielanek singled. ... Third baseman Adrian Beltre went 0 for 4 in extended spring action, his first live at-bats since last season. Tracy confirmed a previous report the Dodgers were hopeful Beltre would return to the club either for the May 11 game against Atlanta or during the Dodgers' series in Montreal that begins May 15. ... Dodgers manager Jim Tracy grew up watching Ohio native Walter Alston manage the Dodgers, and in the early part of his rookie season, several Dodgers officials have compared Tracy to Alston. Thursday night, Dodie and Harry Ogle, the daughter and son-in-law of Alston, are scheduled to attend the Dodgers' game against the Reds. ``I'd really like to meet them,'' Tracy said.

DODGERS vs. CINCINNATI

Time: 4:05 p.m., at Cinergy Field.

TV/Radio: Fox Sports Net 2; 1150-AM, 1330-AM (Spanish).

Matchup: The last time Dodgers RH Kevin Brown (3-1, 1.03 ERA) pitched on five days' rest, he overwhelmed Pittsburgh in allowing four hits in seven innings. Brown has won three starts in a row and hasn't allowed more than one earned run in any of his four starts. In eight career games against the Reds, Brown is 6-1 with a 1.52 ERA, including a 2-1 mark and a 1.19 ERA at Cinergy Field. Reds RH Pete Harnisch (1-2, 6.04) has struggled, failing to record an out in the sixth inning in three of his five starts. Harnisch's ERA is 6.60 in his last three starts.

- Brian Dohn

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DODGERS VS. CINCINNATI (see text)