BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Samuel’s Injury Remains a Problem

One week after Juan Samuel’s return from the disabled list, the Dodgers have apparently decided that his finger is not strong enough to allow him to be an everyday player.

Samuel has been benched for the last two games, and will probably start only sporadically until he can prove that his defense will not be affected by his injury.

Samuel and Manager Tom Lasorda met before Saturday’s game, and afterward Samuel said he was frustrated by the situation.

“I come to the ballpark every day wanting to play, it is frustrating when I am not in the lineup,” he said. “But I know there is nothing I can do about it.”

Lasorda would not comment.

Samuel said the finger on his left hand that had been broken feels “OK.” Dodger trainers said there still is some swelling.

Samuel has eight hits in 24 at-bats since returning, but his bat has never been an issue. He committed two errors in six starts and has cost the Dodgers a couple of chances at double plays by struggling on grounders.

There is speculation that Samuel will follow Kal Daniels as the next veteran to leave the team, either through a trade or reassignment. He makes $2.325 million, which makes it difficult to trade him, but his hitting might be valued by several teams.

Ramon Martinez hopes to throw again Monday in San Diego and said he will probably not miss another start after being scratched from the lineup Saturday because of a strained left hip.

Martinez, who suffered the same sort of hip injury in the middle of last season, said he felt pain while stretching on the final day in Atlanta.

“Then I felt it a little bit more (Friday),” he said. “It was in the exact same spot as last year.”

Martinez threw in the bullpen early Saturday afternoon before deciding he could not make the start.

Orel Hershiser, who has filled in for injured starters twice this season, was warned Friday that he might be needed, and was ready.

Because of the loss of Martinez, Kevin Gross will be moved up in the rotation to start today against the Astros. Gross has yet to face the Astros this season but has pitched better against them then any team in the West, going 8-9 with a 3.26 earned-run average.

Jose Offerman suffered a bruise above his left knee when he collided with first baseman Benny Distefano during the third inning after beating out an infield grounder. Offerman remained in the game, but was limping at times, and will be examined today.