DODGERS NOTEBOOK: SHEFFIELD A RELUCTANT ALL-STAR.

Byline: Matt McHale Daily News Staff Writer

For Gary Sheffield, it was easier to make the All-Star team than it is to get to the All-Star game.

Sheffield is still going. But instead of flying home to Tampa, Fla. before playing in Tuesday's game, his family is meeting him in Denver.

National League president Leonard Coleman and NL manager Jim Leyland insisted Sheffield attend Monday's workout at Coors Field, which is major-league policy.

If Sheffield refused, the league wanted the Dodgers to send Raul Mondesi, who is spending the break in the Dominican Republic.The Dodgers stepped in and will fly Sheffield's parents and three children to the game.

``I haven't seen my family since spring training,'' said Sheffield, who was traded to the Dodgers May 15 from Florida. ``I was just hoping to get away from baseball for a couple of days and collect myself. It's an honor to play in an All-Star game. But with the things that have happened this year, I thought it wasn't too much to go in the day of the game. I thought the league would understand.''

Sheffield respects Leyland and understands what the All-Star game means to his former manager, who lost almost all of his World Series championship team in a salary purge.

In addition to Sheffield, former Marlins on the NL squad are Houston's Moises Alou, San Diego's Kevin Brown and San Francisco's Robb Nen.

``It will mean a lot to him to have all of his guys there,'' Sheffield said. ``We never really got a chance to celebrate the title. It will be good to have us back for one more time.''

Bonilla back: Bobby Bonilla, sidelined since June 17 with an intestinal infection, returns to the lineup tonight in San Francisco. To make room on the roster, catcher Paul LoDuca was sent to Triple-A Albuquerque after only one day with the club.

LoDuca was brought up when the Dodgers optioned left-hander Dennis Reyes to Single-A San Bernardino so he could get work during the All-Star break.

Bonilla, who did not have an extra-base hit after homering in his first game with the Dodgers, said the illness robbed him of his power. Bonilla has shown some pop in batting practice this week, but he knows the pitching will get a little tougher starting tonight.

``It is so great to get back,'' he said. ``There will be 60,000 people in the stands in San Francisco. Everybody will be pumped. This has taken so long to get over. I am so ready.''

The Dodgers eventually will send down third baseman Adrian Beltre, who has impressed everyone with his raw ability. Manager Glenn Hoffman said Bonilla, 35, does not have the mobility to move to the outfield.

DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO

Time: 7:35 p.m., at 3Com Park.

TV/Radio: Channel 5, 1150-AM, KWKW 1330-AM (Spanish).

Matchup: In the first of three games, Ismael Valdes (6-7, 4.10) faces former mentor Orel Hershiser (6-6, 3.84). Valdes is making his first start since pitching a one-hit shutout last Saturday against Pittsburgh. Valdes, however, has struggled on the road, going 2-6 with a 5.23 ERA. Hershiser, who signed with the Giants after playing three seasons with Cleveland, was NL Pitcher of the Month in May when he went 5-0 with an 0.86 ERA. Matchups for the rest of the series: Saturday (1:05 p.m., Ch. 11) - Dave Mlicki (3-4, 4.40) faces right-hander Mark Gardner (7-3, 4.95). . . . Sunday (1:45 p.m., Ch. 5) - Darren Dreifort (5-6, 3.55) vs. left-hander Shawn Estes (6-7, 4.28).

- Matt McHale

CAPTION(S):

Box

Box: DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO (See Text)