DODGERS NOTEBOOK: KARROS RETURNS FROM DL, SINGLES IN FIRST AT-BAT.

Byline: Heather Gripp and Joe Haakenson Staff Writers

ANAHEIM - Eric Karros batted sixth instead of his usual spot in the heart of the order, but the Dodgers first baseman was glad to have a sense of normalcy return in other ways after being activated from the disabled list Friday.

Karros said his back, which had him on the disabled list retroactive to May 22, felt ``good.'' He was also glad to be playing in the field instead of being used as a designated hitter, which is an option for the interleague series at Anaheim.

Karros hit .232 with five home runs before going on the disabled list but denied speculation that his back was bothering him earlier in the season.

``I hit whatever I'm hitting on my own,'' said Karros, who singled to right in the second inning in his first at-bat. ``If I hit .230, it's because I'm a .230 hitter.''

But Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said he sees a difference in the way Karros is playing.

``His bat speed and the mobility in the bottom half of his body is better than any point I've seen this season,'' said Tracy, who decided a temporary spot lower in the order would take pressure off Karros in his return.

--Injury updates: Dodgers infielder Tim Bogar was placed on the disabled list Friday with an injured right hamstring. Although Bogar had been used as a reserve since being activated from the disabled list May 28, the injury made the Dodgers hesitant to use him in certain situations, such as playing the left side of the infield.

An EMG nerve test performed on Kevin Brown on Thursday confirmed the problems in his arm are not a result of the injured nerve in his neck. He is scheduled to work with Dodgers physical therapist Pat Screnar this weekend and could start throwing again next week if he continues to progress.

Fellow pitcher Andy Ashby had surgery on his right elbow Friday and everything went as expected, Tracy said.

``They didn't get in there and find anything they didn't expect to find,'' Tracy said. ``He should be ready to go for us on day one of spring training.''

--Pena clears waivers: Catcher Angel Pena, who was designated for assignment June 8, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Tracy hopes that not being picked up by another organization provides the motivation Pena needs to intensify a work ethic that has often been criticized.

--Back to the bullpen: Because of three off days in an eight-day span, Dodgers right-hander Giovanni Carrara is temporarily being taken out of the starting rotation and is available to be used in relief this weekend.

--Signings: The Dodgers signed two more of the players selected in last week's draft. Left-handed pitcher Luis Gonzalez, who was selected in the 11th round out of the Air Force Academy, and outfielder Cedric Benson, a 12th-round pick, are both scheduled to report to Vero Beach as part of the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Dodgers.

Benson, who was a Parade All-American as a high school running back, was signed to a dual-sport-participating contract that allows him to play football for the University of Texas as well as playing baseball for the Dodgers in the summer.

--Good news: For a franchise that usually endures the worst-case scenario when it comes to injuries, the Angels got unusually good news.

Shigetoshi Hasegawa, the team's leader in wins last season and the ``anchor'' of the bullpen according to manager Mike Scioscia, threw batting practice and had no problems with his right shoulder.

Hasegawa, who hasn't pitched in a game since May 18, has a partial tear in his rotator cuff. There were concerns that season-ending surgery would be necessary, but all signs point to a return within about 10 days.

``He had a great session,'' Scioscia said. ``He cleared another hurdle. The ball was coming out of his hand great. It's definitely a step forward in getting him back.``

Hasegawa's role as Troy Percival's set-up man was filled by committee. Al Levine and Ben Weber shared most of the duties, and even the starters helped out by pitching deep into games.

``We made the best of a tough situation,'' Scioscia said.

Hasegawa, 2-3 with a 4.79 ERA, will throw again on Sunday, then throw a simulated game Tuesday or Wednesday in Texas. If all goes well, he'll begin a rehab assignment next weekend.

--Upstream battle: Slumping right fielder Tim Salmon became slumping DH Tim Salmon for Friday's game. Though Scioscia said playing in the field can help a struggling hitter forget about his troubles, Salmon gave way in right field to Jeff DaVanon.