DODGERS NOTEBOOK: CLAIRE COOL ON MORE TRADES.

Byline: Matt McHale Daily News Staff Writer

Dodgers executive vice president Fred Claire said Thursday that budget concerns make it unlikely the club will trade to fill holes created by the rash of recent injuries.

The Dodgers are not expected to have their ace Ramon Martinez (shoulder) back soon, if at all. They also lost Todd Hollandsworth to season-ending shoulder surgery last week. The Dodgers are playing Eric Karros (left knee) and Bobby Bonilla (left wrist, left Achilles) despite injuries. Both will be hobbled for the rest of the season.

Karros played Thursday and drove in five runs in the Dodgers' 5-0 victory over Colorado. Bonilla did not start. Neither did second baseman Eric Young (right thigh) and center fielder Raul Mondesi (left ankle). But the Dodgers took on $11 million in extra salary when they made the May 15 trade with the Florida Marlins.

Claire said adding to a payroll that is up to $58 million prohibits movement and would require approval from the new owners at Fox and club president Bob Graziano.

``I'm not out making phone calls because for one thing - and there is a very practical side and that is our payroll,'' he said. ``The budget I had was increased when the trade was made. We have made a major move. That is a factor. If there is a move to be made it would not be dictated by me. That would have to come from Bob and from Fox.''

What about Russell? Claire's role in determining the future of manager Bill Russell also appears diminished by Fox.

With increasing speculation that Russell's job is in jeopardy if the team's record does not improve, Claire applauded the manager's effort given the team's injury problem.

But when asked if he would fight to keep Russell in the manager's spot, Claire said: ``I'm not going to comment on that. We're in a battle right now. There is no question that Billy is making every effort with this team. But I'm not going to comment.''

Mondesi, Young out: Mondesi, who sprained his left ankle crashing into the outfield fence in the third inning Wednesday, thought he would be ready to play Thursday. But when he awoke, the ankle was badly swollen and he was scratched.

``I can't walk on it,'' said Mondesi, who could miss the next few games. ``You never like sitting out games, especially at Coors Field. But this is not something that you can play through. I went out and played a few more innings after I hurt it. Maybe I shouldn't have done that.''

When Mondesi made an over-the-shoulder catch on a drive by San Diego's Tony Gwynn, the left ankle buckled under the weight of his body. He tried to brace himself as he hit the wall with his right knee and suffered a slight strain. He was treated for both injuries.

Young also hoped to be back to play his former team, but his strained right thigh has not improved. The disabled list has been considered, but Young, who first injured the leg May 21, could miss the next four to five games.

Hooray for Jaime: Dodgers Spanish language broadcaster Jaime Jarrin, who will be inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame next month, will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Jarrin, with the Dodgers for 40 years, joins broadcaster Vin Scully, who received his star in 1982.

DODGERS vs. COLORADO

Time: 6:05 p.m., Coors Field

TV/Radio: Ch. 5; 1150-AM, KWKW-AM (1330 Spanish).

Matchup: In the second of four games with the Rockies, Darren Dreifort (4-6, 3.74) faces former Dodgers right-hander Pedro Astacio (4-8, 6.28). Dreifort lost 6-4 to the Rockies last Saturday, allowing four runs and six hits in six innings. The next day, Astacio allowed just one earned run in nine innings in a game the Rockies won 4-3 in 12 innings. He is 1-1 lifetime against the Dodgers with a 5.59 ERA.

- Matt McHale

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Box: DODGERS vs. COLORADO (See Text)