DODGERS NOTEBOOK: INJURY MIFFS MUELLER.

Byline: RICH HAMMOND Staff Writer

Even one of the country's top knee specialists has no idea when Bill Mueller might be able to play.

Mueller, whose recovery from May 15 arthroscopic knee surgery has progressed slower than expected, visited Dr. Richard Steadman in Vail, Colo., this month, but Steadman gave Mueller little hope.

Steadman was not able to offer Mueller, 35, any realistic options for long-term recovery. Mueller has an arthritic right knee, with bone rubbing on bone in three areas, a problem he has dealt with for years.

``I thought that after (Steadman) seeing every case possible that I wouldn't be that unique,'' Mueller said. ``It was heartbreaking to know that he didn't really have an answer.''

Steadman's only advice was for Mueller to continue his rehabilitation and to seek another examination next month, after the expected recovery period of six to eight weeks. There has been talk of microfracture surgery, but the recovery time is two years and Mueller said that still might not solve the problem.

``When you go to the world's best and he doesn't have an answer, you have to uncover as many rocks as possible,'' Mueller said. ``I'm just going to rehab and do what I can to get the swelling out.''

Mueller's rehab has included work in a pool, designed to take pressure off the knee, as well as massage therapy and work on an exercise bike, but said his work is often interrupted by swelling in the knee.

``A lot more often than you want,'' Mueller said. ``Then that restricts you the next day, because you take your time instead of regressing.''

Mueller is on the 60-day disabled list and not eligible to return until mid-July at the earliest, but at this point, Mueller is hoping to salvage anything from this season, and possibly his career.

``I really don't want to think that, but that is a possible so that's why I'm trying to find an answer,'' Mueller said. ``We're still searching to see what the best answer is, in the short term and long term.''

Good first impression: Cesar Izturis had a flawless debut at third base for the Dodgers on Thursday, and with Mueller out, Izturis' effort was a positive development.

``He convinced me that he's a very good infielder,'' manager Grady Little said. ``What he did (Thursday) night convinced me that I'm not going to be afraid to put him out there again.''

Izturis started at third again Friday, but Little said he might start Izturis at shortstop -- his natural position -- today to make room in the lineup for Olmedo Saenz at third base.