BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : O’Malley Goes Into Hospital

Peter O’Malley, the Dodger owner, was admitted to Centinela Hospital Medical Center because of a respiratory tract infection, it was announced Thursday.

O’Malley, 54, who was admitted Monday, is expected to be in the hospital several more days.

Darryl Strawberry took grounders at first base.

“I talked to Tommy (Lasorda), and he told me I could play a couple of spring games there,” Strawberry said. “I know the Dodgers probably won’t let me play there during the season, but I want them to know that I will do anything it takes to win.”

Fred Claire, Dodger executive vice president, said he doubted Strawberry will be needed anywhere but right field.

Also taking grounders at first base was Jeff Hamilton. Strawberry and Hamilton join Kal Daniels, Todd Benzinger, Eric Karros and Mitch Webster as players who have practiced at first base this spring.

Lasorda shook his head and said: “At a morning meeting, when I asked who wanted to play first base, 15 guys raised their hands. I guess we will have some competition there.”

While most people mention Bill Russell as the heir to Lasorda’s job--even Lasorda--the other leading candidate soon will be arriving in Florida.

Phil Regan, a former Dodger pitcher and top scout, has spent seven of his last eight winters managing in Latin America.

Regan’s teams have won league championships in three of the last five years. During that time he has become a close adviser to Claire.

“I think I’m ready now to manage somewhere” in the big leagues, he said, noting that he has patterned his low-key style after former Dodger manager Walter Alston. “I have been studying and learning these last few years.”

Rudy Seanez did not take the field for the second consecutive day because of a sore back and is expected to miss today’s workout. . . . Brett Butler has been holding early-morning bunting workouts with several young Dodgers, including Jose Offerman.