DODGERS NOTEBOOK: PARK WON'T MISS START : BACK PAIN HAS HIM MOVING GINGERLY.

Byline: Matt McHale Daily News Staff Writer

Chan Ho Park's lower back was better Monday, but you couldn't tell by the way he ran during batting practice.

Park, who left Sunday's game after five innings with pain in his back, underwent extensive pregame stretching and electronic stimulation. He did not undergo acupuncture treatments, which has been part of his therapy, and appeared to have considerable discomfort shagging fly balls before the game.

``He responded well today and is expected to make his next start,'' trainer Charlie Strasser said. ``He is much better today.''

Park's condition is puzzling because he continues to pitch well. Before leaving Sunday's game against Pittsburgh, Park allowed no runs and just two hits in five innings. He is 3-0 with a 3.96 ERA, but this was the third time this season he has been forced to leave a game because of back trouble.

It stiffened after trying to catch a first-inning line drive and was aggravated by swinging the bat on a two-run double in the second.

``That probably was the worst pain I've had this season,'' Park said. ``There still is some discomfort, but it is much better and I'm not worried about my next start. There was a lot of pain during the game, but I seem to be able to work through it.''

Park has a Korean doctor in Los Angeles to perform acupuncture but did not seem worried that the treatment is not available on the road.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers have no plans for him to skip a start and let the back heal with time.

``No one has said anything like that,'' manager Bill Russell said. ``I guess that is a possibility down the road. But our reports are he's getting better.''

Between starts, Park usually rests for a day then throws in the bullpen the next two days. This time he will rest for two days then throw for one. His next start is Friday against the Florida Marlins.

Hot `lanta: There is a reason the Braves already have a big lead in the National League East. Left-hander Tom Glavine was named Monday as the NL Pitcher of the Month for the second consecutive April. It's the fourth time in his career Glavine has received the award. He also won in April 1991 and July 1992. Last month, Glavine went 4-0 with a 1.06 ERA. Outfielder Michael Tucker was named Monday as the NL Player of the Week.