DODGERS WELCOME ONE FINAL BREATHER BEFORE PENNANT RUN.

Byline: Eric Noland Daily News Staff Writer

It represents long-overdue rest for the weary, and as the Dodgers prime themselves for the final four weeks of the regular season, it couldn't come at a better time.

This week's schedule affords them an opportunity to draw in a last, deep breath: The Dodgers were off Monday and had to undertake nothing more taxing than a plane flight to Arlington, Texas. They'll open a two-game series tonight against the Texas Rangers, which will give battered catcher Mike Piazza an opportunity to lounge in the designated hitter role. Then, after flying home Wednesday night, they'll have another day off, this one at home, on Thursday.

``It allows you to regroup,'' Piazza said of the four-day stretch. ``Kind of like you coast before the last lap. It's a nice situation for the team.''

Especially when weighed against an arduous sequence the Dodgers recently completed. Over a period of 28 days, they played 20 of 27 games on the road, including two doubleheaders.

The off days gave the Dodgers an opportunity to shuffle their pitching rotation to gain a lengthy breather for Chan Ho Park, who has already worked more innings (167-1/3) than in any season in American baseball. When he makes his next start, Saturday at home against Florida, he'll be operating on 10 days' rest (barring a relief appearance in Texas).

Hideo Nomo (tonight) and Ismael Valdes (Wednesday night) will operate on their regular schedule, but the off days will afford Ramon Martinez five days' rest and Tom Candiotti six.

``I think this comes at a great time,'' said pitching coach Dave Wallace. ``For Chan Ho Park, this is his first time with this heavy a load, so it's going to help.

``It's a good time physically for some of the guys, but also mentally, just to have a little bit of time to digest everything and give it a rest.''

Ditto the bullpen, which has worked 30 percent of the Dodgers' innings this season. ``One day (off), sometimes, can perform miracles,'' said reliever Scott Radinsky, the bullpen leader in appearances with 65.

Piazza, meanwhile, has had the Texas series circled on his calendar for some time. Having started 118 of 138 games behind the plate, he welcomes a final chance to operate as a designated hitter - the Dodgers' prerogative in interleague games played in American League parks.

``It's a vacation,'' Piazza said with a broad smile. ``At this time of year, I can honestly say I'm a little bit beat. I'm feeling it. As a catcher, once you get past the century mark (in games played), it starts to really wear.''

Piazza wasn't sure if he'd like the DH duty until the first stretch of interleague games gave him a few turns at Oakland and Seattle in mid-June. He was won over instantly.

``Sometimes I sway a little bit, but I thought I was a baseball traditionalist,'' Piazza said. ``I really didn't like the DH, playing in the National League. But now that I have had a chance to DH, I really love it. I've probably changed full circle.

``I wouldn't want to do it every day, but once or twice a week, it really saves you.''