Furcal Says He’s Ready for Opener

LAS VEGAS â€”  The long flight from Florida for a 24-hour pit stop and exhibition against the Seattle Mariners en route to L.A. didn’t bother Rafael Furcal’s balky back, and the shortstop is convinced he will be ready to play by opening day.

In fact, he told Manager Grady Little that he wants to play Saturday in the second game of the Freeway Series. That probably won’t happen, but if he continues to progress at his current rate, Furcal won’t start the season on the disabled list.

“He’s moving a lot better, and we still have a lot of time,� Little said. “What he has is something that can’t be aggravated more by getting out there. It’s a question of whether he can tolerate the pain.�

Furcal has been diagnosed with an annular strain, the least severe type of disk injury. It occurs when the outer ring of the disk is over-stretched and swells, causing localized pain. With treatment, the acute pain settles in about five days. Minor stiffness can last up to two weeks.

“It’s coming along,� Furcal said. “I’ll be OK.�

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Catcher Sandy Alomar Jr., expected to start on opening day, doubled and singled twice in a 4-3 loss to the Mariners at Cashman Field, home of the Las Vegas 51s, the Dodger triple-A team.

It was a long time ago, but Alomar had been here before. He spent two productive seasons with the Las Vegas Stars in 1988 and 1989 when he couldn’t break into the San Diego Padre lineup because Benito Santiago was entrenched there.

Alomar was named Pacific Coast League most valuable player both years, then was traded to the Cleveland Indians and began a lengthy major league career.

“I have a lot of great memories about this place,� he said. “This is a big league town.�

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Center fielder Kenny Lofton was scratched from the lineup because of a cramp in his calf.... Left fielder Jose Cruz Jr. has had a slight concussion since Sunday but is expected to play opening day.... Dioner Navarro is near a complete recovery from the hamstring strain that kept him out for two weeks. He will catch today and Saturday, and barring a setback will be ready for the season.... Eric Gagne will make his last spring appearance today.... The Dodgers also had a game in Kissimmee, Fla., losing to the Houston Astros, 11-3, with a lineup of mostly minor leaguers. Second baseman Jeff Kent and third baseman Bill Mueller each had two at-bats. Left-handed reliever Tim Hamulack pitched one inning.