DODGERS NOTEBOOK: GREEN SHAPING UP.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

JUPITER, Fla. - Given his choice, Shawn Green preferred not to miss three weeks of spring-training games. However, the Dodgers outfielder said he's better off for it.

While his sprained right thumb healed, Green worked on strengthening his midsection, his legs and his right shoulder, which he said became weak from hitting a lot.

``This is the best I've felt since my last year in Toronto as far as hitting and feeling strong,'' Green said after going 0 for 2 in a 4-4, 10-inning tie Monday with Montreal. ``They got me in good shape this spring.''

Green, who suffered the injury sliding March 2, played right field Sunday for the first time since getting hurt. He was out there again against Montreal and he plans on starting a few more games out there to fine-tune things.

However, one thing Green said staying fresh is vital if he is to rebound from a subpar season in which he batted .269 with 24 homers and 99 RBI. Last season, he was the only Dodger to play in 162 games.

``I know I was worn down mentally,'' Green said. ``When that happens, physically, you drag, too. I think without a doubt (the injury) was a (blessing). There were some other areas I had to focus on. It wasn't like I was sitting there icing my hand and going home. I feel good. I'm excited.''

--Donnels impresses: Tracy lauded Chris Donnels for his play at third base this weekend, the strongest signal Donnels will be the opening-day third baseman against either Milwaukee's Jeff D'Amico or Jamey Wright.

``He made all the routine plays,'' Tracy said. ``One ball in which he fielded was hit very sharply, and that's what we're asking him to do. If he can do that for us where we can utilize his bat, I think it helps our lineup, especially against a right-handed pitcher.''

The Dodgers will use a platoon to fill Adrian Beltre's spot until he returns. Tim Bogar and Jeff Reboulet are battling for the spot, but the other is expected to make the team as a backup infielder.

Beltre was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Monday. The move is retroactive to Friday, but that shouldn't matter since team officials said he'll be out until at least May after undergoing a second abdominal surgery earlier in the month.

--Orosco plans delayed: It was scheduled to be an important day for left-hander Jesse Orosco, but the Dodgers altered their course. Orosco didn't make the trip to face the Expos because he had to warm up twice Sunday against St. Louis, so they'll try to throw Orosco back-to-back days today and Wednesday.

If Orosco can be effective both days, he should lock up a spot on the Dodgers' opening-day 25-man roster despite being 0-3 with a 7.20 ERA this spring.

--Odds and ends: The Cubs have expressed interest in acquiring Dodgers reliever Gregg Olson, sources said. The Dodgers are looking for a prospect in the deal, but a potential problem is Olson's $1.75 million salary for this season and a $500,000 buyout for next season.... The Dodgers are also trying to work a deal for right-hander Mike Judd and Pittsburgh has shown interest. Judd is out of minor-league options.... Utility player Hiram Bocachica (bruised left ankle) returned from an eight-day absence and went 1 for 2.

DODGERS vs. HOUSTON

Time/site: 10:05 a.m., Holman Stadium, Vero Beach, Fla.

Radio: 1150-AM, tape delayed at 3:35 p.m.

Matchup: The Dodgers' second-to-last Grapefruit League game features right-hander Ramon Martinez trying to make his last statement that he belongs in the starting rotation. He's 0-2 with a 4.00 ERA, but his ERA is 2.77 in his last three starts.

Monday's result: Right-hander Andy Ashby allowed two runs in six innings as the Dodgers tied Montreal 4-4 in 10 innings. Jeff Reboulet had a solo homer.

- Brian Dohn

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Box: DODGERS vs. HOUSTON (see text)