For Openers, It’s Surgery

Los Angeles first baseman Eric Karros, who last season was the lone Dodger to play in all 162 games, will be out 3-to-6 weeks after deciding to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Tuesday.

Hobbled all spring by the ailing knee, Karros decided to have the surgery after an examination indicated there was cartilage damage.

The 30-year-old Karros, the 1992 National League Rookie of the Year, batted .266 with 31 homers and 104 RBI last season, becoming the first Dodger to eclipse 30 homers and 100 RBI in three straight seasons since Gil Hodges did it from 1950-54.

Karros, who signed a four-year, $20 million contract prior to last season, will see his string of 267 straight games end when the Dodgers open the season at St. Louis on March 31.