DODGERS NOTEBOOK: `SEINFELD' NO BIG DEAL TO RUSSELL.

Byline: Marc J. Spears Daily News Staff Writer

It is probably safe to say that Dodgers manager Bill Russell didn't rush home after Thursday's game to watch a taping of the last episode of ``Seinfeld.''

And by the way he responded from a reporter's question about the show, it almost seemed as if he had never heard of the popular comedy.

When asked if his VCR was set to tape the show during Thursday night's game, Russell said, ``For what? For the (consecutive game) home-run record (that the Atlanta Braves are after)? For what? I never watched (Seinfeld). I might tape ER, though.''

However, Russell oddly cut short his daily pregame conference with the press and seemed to be in a rush to call home because he forgot to do something. Perhaps, he wanted to get his VCR set after all.

Reyes watch: Dennis Reyes, who is currently pitching at Triple-A Albuquerque, should be in a Dodgers uniform soon. During a start at Vancouver on Tuesday, Reyes (1.44 ERA) was limited to 50 pitches and just 2-2/3 innings.

Reyes, who had hoped to open the season as the Dodgers' fifth starter, was optioned to Triple-A just before Opening Day. He had struggled in the spring with a 6.95 ERA in eight games and a .352 batting-average-against.

Although the Dodgers are enthused about his stint in the minors, it is uncertain whether he will be used as a starter or reliever. Since Russell and Dodgers executive vice president Fred Claire were happy about Monday's start by fifth starter Darren Dreifort (0-4, 4.61), Reyes may be on his way to the bullpen. It seems likely that Reyes would replace reliever Frank Lankford (0-2, 5.95) on the 25-man roster.

``Reyes is doing fine,'' Claire said. ``We limited him to 50 pitches obviously because we are thinking about making a move or we would not have taken him out of the game (at Vancouver). There is no question with Dennis that he can help us here. At some point very soon he will be here.''

Etc: After a good performance offensively and defensively from Thomas Howard on Wednesday, he was given the start at center field for the second straight game. Howard, normally a reserve, entered the game going 4 for 8 with two runs and two doubles in the past three games. He also ended Mark Portugal's no-hit bid in the sixth. Russell said he may go with Howard until he cools off over usual center fielder Roger Cedeno, who hasn't started the past three games after a poor defensive outing Monday.

DODGERS vs. MONTREAL

Time: 7:05 p.m., at Dodger Stadium.

TV/Radio: FSW2; XTRA-1150, 1330-AM (Spanish).

Matchup: In the first of three games, Dodgers right-hander Ismael Valdes (3-4, 4.81) faces Expos right-hander Miguel Batista (0-1, 4.09). Valdes earned his first road victory of the season Sunday at Florida after allowing just two runs on five hits in a season-best eight innings. Batista's only start against the Dodgers was his first ever in the majors on Aug. 11, at Los Angeles with the Chicago Cubs. He struck out seven and allowed only two runs on seven hits but took the loss.

- Marc J. Spears

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Box: (Color) DODGERS vs. MONTREAL (See Text)