BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Morgan Dizziness From Infection of Inner Ear

Mike Morgan’s dizziness was diagnosed as an inner ear infection Thursday after a magnetic resonance imaging test on his skull showed no serious problems.

“Dr. (Michael) Mellman feels Mike will not have to miss a start,” said Fred Claire, Dodger vice president, after Morgan was examined in Los Angeles.

Morgan said he was seeing double Wednesday in Philadelphia despite giving up one run in six innings against the Phillies.

“He felt better today, and we feel with medication it will be fine,” said Bill Buhler, Dodger trainer.

Coach Bill Russell suffered a similar infection last year and said he felt better, “in a few days,” after doctors placed a medicated patch behind his ear.

Morgan is scheduled to start Tuesday against Philadelphia in Dodger Stadium.

After playing catch in the bullpen during Thursday’s game, Jay Howell said he hopes to return to the active roster by Tuesday.

“It feels great, and I hope that I can be ready for the start of the next home stand,” Howell said.

Mike Scioscia, the other injured Dodger regular, said he would “not be surprised” if he came off the disabled list Saturday as scheduled after experiencing two good workouts Wednesday and Thursday.

When Scioscia returns, Gary Carter, batting .294 in his last 30 starts, will probably go to the bench for an extended rest.

“There’s no way to ease into this job, I’m going to want as much playing time as I can get,” Scioscia said.

To make room for Scioscia on the active roster, the Dodgers will probably send down catcher Carlos Hernandez, who has been hitless in three at-bats with one error since being recalled June 27.

Carter said Thursday that he has contacted the expansion Florida Marlins and offered his services in the broadcast booth or front office when his career ends.

“Obviously I want to play as long as I can,” Carter said. “And I want to stay in Los Angeles for as long as they want me.

“But I have learned you have to keep your bases covered. So I wrote to a guy down there, just to let them know I’m interested.”

Carter’s permanent home is in West Palm Beach, Fla., less than two hours from Miami.

Claire said he spoke with Kal Daniels and the situation has not changed. “Kal will rejoin the team when he feels his personal situation allows him to come back,” Claire said. . . . Brett Butler, who flied out to right field twice in Philadelphia Wednesday after flying out there only once in 85 previous games this season, said that is a sign that he is finally swinging as he should. “I know I’ve had some hits, but a lot of them have been little bouncers to left field,” said Butler, who has 100 hits but eight for extra bases. “Now that I’m getting my stroke down, I’ll think you’ll see even more from me.”