DODGERS NOTEBOOK: FOR DODGERS, EVEN THE GOOD NEWS IS BAD.

Byline: Matt McHale Staff Writer

The only good news to come out of the Dodgers series with the Reds became bad news on Thursday.

Right-hander Robinson Checo, who pitched five impressive innings in Wednesday's 9-1 victory, is expected to be placed on the disabled list with a strained right groin.

Checo, who earned the victory in his first National League start, was injured on the next-to-last pitch he threw in the fifth inning. His condition did not improve Thursday and he will be re-examined today.

``I don't know how he could not end up on the DL,'' Dodgers manager Davey Johnson said. ``He hurt his right groin and for a pitcher that is very serious. If you gamble with that injury, he could be gone a long time.''

Checo, 26, was upset with the news but pleased with his performance against the Reds. Earlier this season he had made two relief appearances after coming over from Detroit on April 16 in the Dave Mlicki trade. His ERA was 17.18.

``When I was here the first time, my mechanics were terrible,'' said Checo, who came in to replace demoted Carlos Perez in the rotation. ``Now they are in much better shape and I feel I will do even better next time.''

When that will be is uncertain. Because Monday was an off day, he was not scheduled to pitch again until Aug. 7.

Hubbard again: On July 11, Trenidad Hubbard made his first major-league appearance as a catcher. Thursday, he played second base for the first time.

Quick Hits: Todd Hollandsworth started in center field Thursday in place of Devon White. Although White is batting .383 (31-81) this month, he was 0 for 17 lifetime against Reds starter Pete Harnisch. White pinch-hit in the eighth against Reds reliever Gabe White and struck out. . . . Since pitching four scoreless innings for his first major-league victory, left-handed reliever Onan Masaoka has hit a wall. He allowed two runs in two-thirds of an inning Thursday and has given up eight runs in 13-2/3 innings in his last nine appearances. . . . Dave Hansen, the Dodgers' top hitter off the bench, took over for Adrian Beltre at third base in the seventh and had a two-run single in the eighth. . . . Thursday's crowd of 32,758 pushed the season attendance to 2,028,356, the 27th consecutive year the club has drawn at least two million to Dodger Stadium. The team needs to average 33,504 in its final 29 home games to reach three million. It is averaging 39,007. . . . Eric Karros's homer was his 24th of the season and 12th at home. Mike Piazza holds the L.A. single-season record with 22.

DODGERS vs. ARIZONA

Time: 7:10 p.m., at Dodger Stadium.

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

Matchup: In the first of three games with the Diamondbacks, Kevin Brown (11-6, 3.59) faces left-hander Brian Anderson (3-2, 6.26). Brown is coming off one of his better outings this season, limiting the Diamondbacks to just one run last Sunday in a 2-1 victory over Randy Johnson. Because of an off-day Thursday, the Diamonbacks told Johnson he could stay on his five-day schedule and take an extra day. Saturday (1:05 p.m., Channel 11), Johnson (10-8, 2.65), who threw more than 140 pitches against the Dodgers, will face Ismael Valdes (8-8, 3.33). Sunday (1:10 p.m., Fox Sports West 2) - Chan Ho Park (6-8, 6.07) vs. undecided.

- Matt McHale

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Photo, Box

PHOTO HOLLANDSWORTH

BOX: DODGERS vs. ARIZONA (see text)