Dodgers to make their call on Perez

Friday, May 4, 2001 | 9:37 a.m.

CALGARY -- Today is D Day -- Decision Day -- for the Los Angeles Dodgers when it comes to controversial Carlos Perez.

Do the Dodgers promote Perez, who allowed seven hits and four earned runs in four more shaky innings during Las Vegas' 13-5 loss to Calgary here on Thursday night? Or do they give the 30-year-old left-hander his outright release, eating his guaranteed $7.5 million salary for the 2001 season in the process?

Although Perez didn't get the loss in the 51s' latest thumping by the Cannons, he hardly looked like a $7.5 million per year big league pitcher, either.

He struck out just one batter and walked three. Perhaps more telling, he faced six left-handed batters in his four innings on the mound and five of them reached base either by a hit or a walk.

Not exactly the best way to convince the big brass in Los Angeles. Perez's 30-day injury rehab assignment from shoulder surgery last September ends today meaning the Dodgers must either promote him or release him. In six rehab starts with the 51s, he finished with a 2-1 record and not-so-sparkling 6.53 ERA.

Considering the way the 51s are playing lately, Perez might welcome a change of venue.

Las Vegas (10-17) lost for the seventh time in its last eight games as the Cannons (14-11) completed a four-game series sweep by pounding out 17 more hits. Calgary outscored the 51s, 33-10, during the four games. The game was tied, 4-4, when Perez left after four innings, but the Cannons hammered reliever Mark Kiefer for 10 hits and nine runs, including three home runs.

The 51s take a four-hour bus ride to Edmonton today and open a four-game series with the Trappers tonight.