BASEBALL : DAILY REPORT : DODGERS

Alfredo Griffin said he surprised even himself by making the Dodgers’ opening-day lineup.

“Before I get to spring training, I really doubted that I could be here,” said Griffin, who underwent back surgery in January for a deteriorating disk. “I worked so hard after my surgery, but my back was not getting better. Even my therapist said, ‘I have never see anybody work so hard and not get any better.’

“But I get to camp and start taking ground balls and all of a sudden, it is better. I don’t understand it, but I am thankful.”