DODGERS NOTEBOOK: SHAW SAYS HE'S READY FOR WORK.

Byline: Matt McHale Staff Writer

ARLINGTON, Texas - For the first time since May 30 when he allowed three runs without retiring a batter, closer Jeff Shaw is ready to pitch.

Shaw, who lost his job after blowing five saves in 16 attempts this season, reported no discomfort in his right shoulder Tuesday, a day after throwing 17 minutes in the Dodgers bullpen.

Shaw is expected to pitch several games in non-closing situations, but the club is encouraged that he is regaining strength in his shoulder. He will not undergo a strength test Thursday in Los Angeles as originally planned.

``I'm ready to go and really looking forward to getting back,'' said Shaw, who threw lightly in the outfield before Tuesday's game. ``I woke up today and it felt great, just like the day before. I have gotten a lot of strength back.''

Despite the encouraging report, the Dodgers are not going to push Shaw, whose ERA ballooned to 7.84 before getting shut down. They are pleased with right-hander Mike Fetters, a former closer who saved 55 games for Milwaukee during the 1995-96 seasons.

Fetters, who is 2-0 with a 2.03 ERA, earned a victory May 31 against the New York Mets after entering the game two on and one out in the ninth and retiring the next two batters. Opposing left-handed hitters are batting just .056 (1 for 18) against him.

``This is a good opportunity to get Fetters some work and let Jeff work his way back without pressure,'' pitching coach Claude Osteen said. ``If it was up to him, Jeff would go all out right away. But this way he can ease back in and not risk injury again.''

--Injury update: Kevin Elster, who moved from short to third when Adrian Beltre went on the DL last week with a hamstring injury, rested Tuesday after tweaking his groin in Monday's 2-0 loss. It is the same injury that forced Elster to the disabled list in mid-May, but it is not considered as serious.

Center fielder Todd Hollandsworth, who has not played since straining his right hamstring last Saturday, is working out before games and could be back for the weekend series against Oakland. The Dodgers, however, might want to bring him back slowly based on the performance of his replacement F.P. Santangelo, who is batting .400 (4 for 10) since taking over for Hollandsworth. Santangelo singled to open Tuesday's game and later scored the Dodgers' second run.

--More picks: The Dodgers took 30 more players Tuesday in the final day of the June amateur draft, including Brooks Bollinger, who played quarterback for Wisconsin in last January's Rose Bowl victory over Stanford. He was the Dodgers 50th and final selection.

Overall, the Dodgers took 28 pitchers, including No. 1 pick Ben Diggins from the University of Arizona. The signed draftees will assemble next week in Yakima, Wash., for a brief training camp before heading off to minor-league clubs.

DODGERS vs. TEXAS

Time: 12:05 p.m. at The Ballpark in Arlington.

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

Matchup: In the series finale, Darren Dreifort (3-3, 4.87 ERA) faces right-hander Rick Helling (7-3, 3.45). Dreifort has struggled in his last four starts, going 0-2 with a 9.78 ERA. Last Friday, he allowed a season- high seven runs in a 12-5 loss to the Angels. He is 2-1 with a 5.51 ERA in three career appearances against Texas. After winning 20 games in 1998, Helling dropped to 13-11 last season.

- Matt McHale

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Box: DODGERS vs. TEXAS (see text)