ST. LOUIS -- When Brett Tomko returns from the disabled list, he'll probably return as a late-inning reliever.

Tomko was able to make 20 throws off a mound on Saturday at about 90 percent effort, the sternest test yet of a strained oblique muscle that put him on the disabled list on June 24. Because the right-hander has a 95-mph fastball and a four-pitch repertoire a la another current disabled Dodgers reliever, management approached Tomko about considering a move to the bullpen.

"I told Grady [Little] I'd do whatever he wants me to do, whatever they think is best," said Tomko, who signed a two-year, $8.7 million contract to be a starter. "I've been in the bullpen as a long guy, and I was miserable. But I've always thought I could be a one-inning guy. Every manager and coach I've had has brought it up.

"It could be really good. My problems are usually when I face a guy three or four times a game. It's intriguing when you can just go after people and not worry about trying to get into the seventh or eighth inning. I've always said I wanted to try it, and this might be the best chance I'll ever have."

With the acquisition of Mark Hendrickson and the continued effective performance of Aaron Sele, the only spot in the rotation possibly available for Tomko is currently held by rookie Chad Billingsley (0-2, 4.45 ERA). If Tomko (6-6, 5.12) was to return as a starter, it would require several Minor League rehab starts to build up his arm strength, so that he can go deep in games and not tax the bullpen.

But as a reliever, after one or two Minor League innings, he could be ready to help the bullpen. So he would be available to the Major League club quicker. And the comparisons to Eric Gagne, when he made a similar switch, are inevitable.

"It could be very interesting, going all out for one inning with nothing under 95 [mph]," said Tomko. "Right now, that's the goal I'm working towards. If it doesn't work out or the needs change, I could stretch out and get back in the rotation. The rehab would be a lot quicker, getting ready to make 15 or 18 pitches instead of 100. After throwing today, it feels so good. This is the first time I haven't had a hint of needing to back off."

Lowe followup: Speaking of the bullpen, that's where Derek Lowe was 45 minutes before Saturday's first pitch, throwing off the mound, apparently, to work on flaws detected the night before.

Although Lowe suggested that his problems might be related to pitch selection, he appeared to be focused on his footwork, setting up while working out of the stretch.

Lowe might be focusing too much on throwing the first pitch for a strike, because statistically, opponents are feasting on them, hitting .431 on his first pitches in the count with 20 of the 54 RBIs that he's allowed.

Lineup changes: Little started Toby Hall behind the plate and Jose Cruz Jr. in center field on Saturday, giving Russell Martin and Kenny Lofton a break. Jeff Kent, who narrowly avoided the disabled list with a strained oblique, started his third consecutive game.

"I don't think he's 100 percent now, but it's okay for him to play," said Little. "He's able to play, and we certainly need him to play."

Kemp needs playing time: That's why the club sent Matt Kemp to Triple-A on Friday to make room for Ricky Ledee.

"I reminded him he's a 21-year-old, and he needs to be playing now," Little said. "He needs to grow and develop all parts of his game. He's going to be a great player."

Campy stamped: At Yankee Stadium on Saturday, the U.S. Postal Service unveiled a quartet of stamps, including one featuring the late Dodgers Hall of Fame catcher Roy Campanella. The stamp will be on display at Dodger Stadium on July 30 during pregame ceremonies that will include members of the Campanella family and current and former Dodgers. The other players featured on the stamps are Mickey Mantle, Hank Greenberg and Mel Ott.

Coming up: In Sunday's series finale, right-hander Brad Penny (10-2, 2.91) opposes Anthony Reyes (1-3, 3.86) at Busch Stadium at 11:15 a.m. PT.