DODGERS NOTEBOOK: KARROS UP, KONERKO DOWN.

Byline: Marc J. Spears Daily News Staff Writer

First baseman Eric Karros was activated after Friday's Dodgers victory, while his possible heir apparent, Paul Konerko, was sent to Triple-A Albuquerque so that he'll get more playing time.

Karros had been on the disabled list after undergoing left knee surgery March 24.

``He looks good and he has done everything that he needs to do to play,'' Dodgers manager Bill Russell said. ``We'll just see how his knee comes out. So far he has been fine.

``I'm not surprised (about his comeback), not about him. He was supposed to be gone for four to six weeks. I would have bet four and not six knowing him and the way he loves to play the game.''

``I want to see how I react from a physical standpoint,'' said Karros. ``Everything has gone well at this point.''

In four games at San Bernardino, Karros batted .267 with four hits, three runs and one RBI. With the exception of minor knee swelling, Dodgers trainer Charlie Strasser said Karros ``looks better each day'' and has ``good mobility.''

Konerko, meanwhile, entered the season as this year's Dodger candidate for National League Rookie of the Year and the No. 2 prospect in the majors by Baseball America. He batted .337 in the spring with five home runs in 25 games and won the Fresco Thompson Award as the MVP in the annual Freeway Series against the Angels.

Once the season began, however, Konerko couldn't keep his bat hot.

He entered Friday with a dismal .197 batting average (12 for 61), just two RBI and no extra base hits and replaced in the starting lineup by fellow rookie Matt Luke.

``I'm sure a lot of people, his parents . . . everybody (has tried to help Konerko),'' Russell said. ``He has a lot of confidence in his ability and a lot of pride. It's a tough stretch for him now. Knowing him, he'll work himself out of it.''

``I've been trying to get to the big leagues since I was a little kid,'' said Konerko. ``I have all the confidence in the world. I'm still going to hit. I'm not worried about it.''

Cedeno returns: The Dodgers' revolving door in center field may have been closed when Roger Cedeno was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list.

``My hamstring feels all right,'' said Cedeno, who replaced Todd Hollandsworth in the No. 2 spot in the batting order Friday night and went 1-for-2 with a single, scored twice and walked three times. ``It hasn't felt this good since the beginning of spring training. I did everything 100 percent (in Vero Beach). I stole a base, hit a triple and went into the gaps (for catches). My leg is 100 percent.''

Cedeno strained his right hamstring in an exhibition game while running to first base against Atlanta on March 1. The Venezuelan was placed on the disabled list March 22.

To make room for him on the 25-man roster, the Dodgers designated outfielder Mike Devereaux for assignment.

Cedeno's rehabilitation included a six-game assignment with Single-A Vero Beach from April 16-22. He batted .429 with a triple, grand slam and six RBI while also stealing a base and making defensive plays without trouble. When Cedeno, who was expected to play every day, went out, the Dodgers tried out four replacements.

Devereaux, who has 11 years of major-league experience, might declare free agency.

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PHOTO ERIC KARROS

The first baseman will start tonight against the Cubs. He has been on the disabled list since March 24.