BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Sharperson Has Team’s Support

Mike Sharperson is still a longshot to become one of the first platoon players to make the All-Star team, but he has support in the Dodger clubhouse.

“By far, if anybody on this team deserves to make it, he does,” outfielder Eric Davis said.

“I played for the (Cincinnati) Reds back when Rob Dibble was just a setup man in the bullpen, and he made the All-Star team that year. He made it because he excelled in his role, which is just what is happening to Sharperson.”

In his last seven games before Monday, Sharperson was batting .418 (13 for 27) and had been hitting .375 in his previous 32 games to improve his average to a team-leading .349.

Darryl Strawberry might begin his rehabilitation assignment at triple-A Albuquerque by this weekend, he said.

If all goes well during his field work this week, Strawberry might join the team in Albuquerque for its July 4 home game against Phoenix and remain there for nine games until the major league All-Star break, when the Dukes are also idle.

Said Strawberry, who is recovering from a herniated disk in his lower back: “I feel like I’m ready for it right now. I’m just waiting for the word.”

Said therapist Pat Screnar: “Darryl is very anxious, but we’re still taking it slow. There are still a number of things he needs to accomplish.”

Brett Butler decided to start Monday after testing his sprained shoulder during early batting practice. . . . Gary Sheffield, Padre third baseman, was scratched from the lineup Monday because of a sprained thumb. . . . Pedro Martinez will test his shoulder for one start at Albuquerque later this week, and if all goes well, he will probably start one of the games in the three doubleheaders next week against the Montreal Expos. Fred Claire, Dodger vice president, said he will recall one pitcher to start Friday’s doubleheader against the Philadelphia Phillies, then use that spot to recall other pitchers next week.

Bill Buhler, Dodger trainer, will be the National League trainer for the All-Star game. . . . Raul Mondesi, the Dodgers’ top outfield prospect, will sit out for at least one month after undergoing wrist surgery. . . . The Dodgers have signed former major league pitcher Lance McCullers, most recently with the Texas Rangers, and assigned him to Albuquerque. McCullers, a right hander, threw 2 2/3 scoreless innings Sunday for his first Albuquerque victory.