DODGERS NOTEBOOK: MARTIN GETTING NO REST.

Byline: RICH HAMMOND Staff Writer

Days off are for struggling, sore-kneed veteran catchers, not hot-swinging rookies.

So there's little reason for Russell Martin to rest these days. Martin started Sunday for the Dodgers, even though catchers often sit out when their teams play a day game after a night game.

Martin entered Sunday with a six-game hitting streak and 11hits and six RBIs in his past 25 at-bats. So even though manager Grady Little has spent this week organizing days off for most of his regular position players, it's likely that Martin will end up playing nine consecutive games before Thursday's off day.

``Everyone is in good condition to go right now,'' Little said.

That includes Martin, who isn't about to ask for a day off anytime soon. Martin went 0for 4 Sunday but drove in tworuns with a pair of fielder's choice groundouts.

``I'm used to it,'' Martin said. ``I remember when Jason Kendall caught a 17-inning game in Pittsburgh and came back and played the next night. I feel good right now, so I want to be in there.''

The Dodgers would have no problem turning to backup catcher Sandy Alomar, who has 19 hits in 54 at-bats (.352), but there's another reason to keep Martin on the field: With every game, Martin gets more familiar with the pitching staff and learns nuances and tendencies.

``After a few times, you start to learn the way they go about their business,'' Martin said.

Looks natural: Cesar Izturis returned to third base after starting at shortstop Saturday. With Bill Mueller out, Izturis looks like he could be the long-term answer at third.

Izturis played a third consecutive errorless game at the hot corner and converted two tough grounders into outs.

``I like having him in the game,'' Little said, ``and I like having him on that infield.''

Jeff Kent got the day off and Ramon Martinez started at second, which gave the Dodgers an unusual lineup. All four infielders -- Martinez, Izturis, first baseman Nomar Garciaparra and shortstop Rafael Furcal -- have played the majority of their major-league games at shortstop, a combined total of 2,678 games.

Nothing different: The Dodgers were swept by Oakland and lost two of threegames to Seattle this month, but Little said he puts no extra significance on this week's series with Minnesota.

The Dodgers are far from alone in their struggles against the American League. Entering Sunday's games, the National League had a combined record of 56-97 in interleague games this season.

``When we look at the standings at the end of the year, we'll be looking at the overall record, not at what we did against the American League,'' Little said. ``That's not a good gauge for me.''

Injury report: Little said he had no update on the status of starter Brett Tomko, who suffered a strained left oblique muscle Friday. Tomko's next scheduled start is Wednesday in Minnesota.

Little also said he remains unsure when Eric Gagne might begin throwing again.

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Photo:

Dodgers catcher Russell Martin (55) and second baseman Ramon Martinez are congratulated by teammates after scoring a pair of runs on a single by Rafael Furcal in the fourth inning.

Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer

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DODGERS at MINNESOTA

- Rich Hammond