DODGERS NOTEBOOK: MEDICAL REPORT IS ENCOURAGING.

Byline: Heather Gripp Staff Writer

The Dodgers' starting lineup again was without two of its top hitters, but encouraging news was received about both players.

X-rays of outfielder Gary Sheffield's injured left thumb Saturday were negative, leaving his status as day-to-day. Second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, who is nursing a sprained right thumb, also is expected back in the lineup soon after an encouraging pregame workout.

``It's better,'' Grudzielanek said. ``It wasn't too bad swinging the bat. As far as throwing, it's just because it's taped different, it might affect it a little bit, but it's nothing where it hurts or anything. It's not a concern.''

Grudzielanek hit in the batting cage and fielded ground balls before Saturday's game.

``We're still looking at Tuesday for (Grudzielanek),'' Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said of the projected date of return for the second baseman, one of only three Dodgers regulars batting better than .300. ``We're very encouraged by what's taken place the last few days.''

--A step forward and back: Pitcher Andy Ashby and infielder Tim Bogar both are scheduled to accompany the Dodgers on their upcoming road trip despite being on the disabled list.

For Ashby, on the disabled list retroactive to April 16, the trip could be a sign of progress. But for Bogar it might be an indication that his recovery going slower than anticipated.

Bogar was placed on the disabled list April 5 with a strained right hamstring and began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas on April 21. His hamstring remains tender and now is bothering him in a different way than before, according to Tracy. Bogar entered the weekend having played in only three games for Las Vegas and was 3 for 9 with a double during those games.

``He's backed up some from where we thought we had him at the rehab assignment,'' Tracy said. ``He's some time away (from returning).''

Ashby played light catch again Saturday but has not thrown off a mound, which he is expected to do on the trip. Whether or not he needs a rehab assignment will be determined after that.

--Clearing the bases: Putting a runner on base is not as detrimental for Dodgers pitchers as it was a year ago since many of those runners now are being erased. The Dodgers entered Saturday's game having thrown out a National League-high 11 of 21 runners.

Paul LoDuca leads the team's trio of catchers with a 57 percent success rate in catching attempted base-stealers. He has thrown out 4 of 7 runners. In addition to those caught by the catchers, three have been thrown out by pitchers and two have been picked off by Kevin Brown.

Last season, the Dodgers went 29 games before throwing out a baserunner.

--Odds and ends: Friday's victory moved the Dodgers into sole possession of first place, marking the latest the Dodgers have been alone in first since Sept. 17, 1997. ... As a sign of support for hitting coach Jim Riggleman, who returned to the team Friday after having his nose broken during a batting-practice accident a day earlier, some of the Dodgers wore white tape on their noses and eye black under their left eye to resemble Riggleman. ... Dodgers broadcaster Ross Porter is to be honored before today's game for his 25 years of service with the team.

DODGERS vs. PHILADELPHIA

Time: 1:10 p.m., at Dodger Stadium

TV/Radio: Fox Sports Net 2; 1150-AM, 1330-AM (Spanish)

Matchup: Chan Ho Park (2-2, 4.13 ERA) tries to move above .500 when he makes his sixth start for the Dodgers in the final game of the homestand. Randy Wolf, a graduate of El Camino Real High of Woodland Hills, pitches for Philadelphia. Wolf (1-3, 6.87 ERA) earned his first win of the season in his last start. He also pitched his first major-league complete game at Dodger Stadium last season and also pitched his high school team to the City championship in a game played at the stadium in 1994.

-Heather Gripp

CAPTION(S):

box

Box:

DODGERS vs. PHILADELPHIA (see text)