Andre Ethier wants one more opinion

With two doctors already recommending surgery, Andre Ethier is awaiting one final opinion before undergoing a minor procedure to clean up his long-ailing right knee.

An operation could take place before the end of the season. Trainer Stan Conte estimated a recovery time of eight weeks.

“If we’re going to do something, we’re going to do it sooner,” Conte said. “It gives us two or three more weeks to give him as normal an off-season condition program as usual.”

Already ruled out for the remainder of the season, Ethier met with orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Alabama on Friday. Andrews’ opinion was the same as the one previously expressed by team physician Neal ElAttrache: Ethier should have surgery.

“He has some wear and tear underneath the kneecap that can be smoothed out,” Conte said.

The Dodgers have also solicited the opinion of Colorado-based knee specialist Dr. J. Richard Steadman, who was sent the results of Ethier’s recent MRI exam.

Ethier was heading back Friday for another visit with ElAttrache, who is expected to perform the operation.

A year of redemption

Tony Gwynn Jr. has done what he set out to do when he signed with the Dodgers over the winter, raising his batting average and reviving his career.

Gwynn batted .204 for his hometown San Diego Padres last season, after which he was let go. He accepted a one-year, $675,000 deal with the Dodgers.

Entering Friday, Gwynn’s average was up to .257. His 21 steals are a career high.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” Gwynn said. “Not a lot of people are blessed with opportunities after a season like that.”

Aside from a putrid May (.067), Gwynn said he is satisfied with his season.

“It is a little bit of redemption,” he said.

Whether Gwynn returns next season is up to the Dodgers. He is eligible for salary arbitration, meaning he will probably draw a seven-figure salary for next season if the Dodgers tender him a contract.

“I would love to come back,” Gwynn said.” I’ve enjoyed playing for this staff, playing with this team. I’d be lucky to come back.”

Gwynn’s playing time is expected to be reduced over the final weeks of the season because of the promotion of top outfield prospect Jerry Sands. But Manager Don Mattingly told Gwynn not to worry.

“I think we know what Tony can do,” Mattingly said.

Short hops

Hiroki Kuroda’s upcoming start has been pushed back a day. Dana Eveland, whose scheduled start in Washington was rained out, will pitch Saturday. Kuroda, who was scheduled to pitch Saturday, will pitch Sunday. … The 6 2/3 hitless innings the bullpen pitched on Thursday in Washington were historic, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. That marked the first time since the Dodgers’ move to Los Angeles that the bullpen had pitched more than six innings in a game and not given up a hit.