Pain in the Neck May Keep Guerrero Out of Dodgers’ Lineup for a While

The speculation is that Pedro Guerrero will be switched from third base to first base upon his return from an absence caused by a pinched nerve in his neck. But Guerrero said Wednesday night that he might not be playing any position for some time.

“I want to play right now, but I can’t,” said Guerrero, out since Saturday with the chronic condition that is said to be arthritic. “It’s very tough at night. I can’t sleep. I can’t get in the right position. The thing is, I feel like I’ve got no strength in my left arm.”

Although Dodger trainers say Guerrero is day-to-day, he might be put on the disabled list if his neck pain persists.

“I’m the one who’ll make the decision when I can (play),” Guerrero said. “I said to the doctor (Robert Watkins) that I don’t want to hear the report. Tell it to the trainers. I know I still have pain.”

Guerrero will be examined by Watkins again today.

After Mike Marshall’s request to return to right field from first base to lessen the strain on his chronic back condition was granted Tuesday night, Manager Tom Lasorda said he was considering moving Guerrero back to first base and putting Jeff Hamilton at third base.

Said Guerrero: “I’m supposed to be the third baseman, right? I haven’t talked to anyone about playing a different position. I have no preference. I just love to play. This is frustrating, especially the way we are playing.”

Guerrero, who was in uniform for Wednesday night’s game, is hitting .316 with 30 runs batted in, but he has only 3 home runs in 44 games.

Is it difficult to hit home runs with chronic neck pain?

“It’s tough to hit anything,” Guerrero said.