PHOENIX -- There will be familiar figure in the cramped visitors' clubhouse at Dodger Stadium on Monday in Los Angeles, a big man wearing No. 25 on his Giants jersey.

Uh ... oh yeah, Barry Bonds. We'd almost forgotten about the guy.

Whether Bonds will be an integral part of San Francisco's final-month push for the National League West title is unclear. The slugger played his last Major League game at Chavez Ravine in October 2004 and is in the finals stages of rehab from right knee surgery.

The 41-year-old Bonds will work out prior to the opener of the three-game series against the Dodgers, and manager Felipe Alou is intrigued about the possibilities.

But first things first.

"We want to see how he's doing in the outfield, how much of an outfielder he is," said Alou on Sunday at Bank One Ballpark. "We know Barry the hitter is going to hit, and the swing is what everybody talks about. But there are other things."

Bonds will also test himself Tuesday as well to see how his body responds. He has been taking regular batting practice at UCLA this past week and appears to be progressing.

But being involved in pregame drills with his teammates and in-the-cage BP is more strenuous. Bonds has indicated there's only minimal swelling in the thrice-repaired right knee.

Asked if Bonds might pinch-hit initially if all goes well, Alou said that could happen Wednesday at the earliest after trainer Stan Conte evaluates the veteran.

Bonds' input is most important, said the manager.

"I've got to talk with Barry and see how he feels," said Alou. "We have to see and hear from him and the trainer and put together a number of recommendations."

On the brink: With the Giants in second place in the NL West and on a four-game winning streak entering Sunday's action, there are signs of optimism on the club. Music is more prevalent in the clubhouse prior to games, and the influx of young players has brightened the mood considerably.

"It's important to finish up strong, and we haven't played that way all year," said Alou. "If we finish second, it's a consolation. We get second-place money -- maybe a few thousand in everybody's pocket."

Reliever Scott Eyre says the Giants finally are playing well after a long, so-so season.

"The pitching staff and defense had a great month in August, and that spurred our hitters," said Eyre, 2-2 with a 2.70 ERA overall and unscored upon in his last four outings. "It took five months, but we're starting to play as a team.

"Everybody knows we were supposed to be good, but like Jason Christiansen said before he left -- this showed how classy he is -- that maybe the youngsters will spark everybody, get some electricity."

Ellison sidelined: Outfielder Jason Ellison will be sidelined for a while after straining an oblique muscle (left rib cage) during batting practice Saturday.

He's listed as day-to-day.

"Obviously, you want to play," said Ellison of his diminishing playing time despite batting .276 overall and .301 over his last 30 games. "I'm out at the moment; when I get my chances, I'll do what I can."

Ellison, who made the Giants' roster out of Spring Training, said he learned a lot about himself and baseball this season after filling in for the injured Marquis Grissom and Moises Alou earlier.

"It's a grind," he said. "You see how long the season is, how demanding it is. I was prepared for it and I'm still prepared for it."

Ortmeier on club: Outfielder Dan Ortmeier was recalled from Double-A Norwich on Sunday. He hit .274 with 20 home runs and 79 RBIs for the Navigators this year, earning Eastern League All-Star honors.

On deck: In a big matchup against the Dodgers on Monday night at Chavez Ravine, right-hander Brad Hennessey (4-6) hopes to do well, opposing Derek Lowe. Hennessey's on a three-game losing streak with a 6.41 ERA.