Hee Seop

Choi

Manager Jim Tracy has already indicated those at-bats may not come. Choi might only get to play if the Dodgers clinch. His hitting flaw involves an elevated upper body, according to Wallach. Choi could be in danger of being left off the postseason roster if Tracy doesn’t feel he can trust him.

Plans to reduce? What is Choi’s role now if not already reduced? “We have to look at some different options,” Tracy said. “He hasn’t hit the ball all that well.” In 24 games with the Dodgers, Choi is batting .164 with a .241 slugging percentage, no home runs and five RBI. GM Paul DePodesta was really excited to land him as part of the trade with the Marlins, but we’ll have to wait until 2005 to see if Choi can be the Dodgers’ long-term answer at first base. Jayson Werth, Robin Ventura, and Olmedo Saenz will share his at-bats this month.

Choi sat out Thursday’s game and is day-to-day.

''He probably could have played today,’' manager Dusty Baker said. ''But I didn’t want to take any chances.’'

Hee Seop Choi and Karros are still platooning, but manager Dusty Baker likes to do this every once in a while just to annoy us.

Choi’s performance in Venezuela could determine how heavily the Cubs pursue a first baseman this winter. Choi is the best man for the job, but the Cubs could re-sign Randall Simon to split time with him or pursue Richie Sexson, likely using Choi as bait.

Choi could rejoin the Cubs Monday in Cincinnati to begin working out. He’s eligible to come off the disabled list June 23 and should be ready then.

Choi is rehabbing at Triple-A Iowa.

Choi will likely embark on a rehab assignment over the weekend. He should be ready when he’s eligible to return from the DL Tuesday.

Choi was given a chance to get some extra at-bats in Triple-A Iowa’s final game Monday. He probably won’t do much other than pinch-hit this month.