Dodgers Sign Elster to Minor League Contract

The Dodgers signed shortstop Kevin Elster to a minor league contract Tuesday and invited him to spring training. Elster, 28, played with the New York Mets for seven years before having shoulder surgery last May, which ended his season.

With the Dodgers’ infield set, Elster, a strong defensive player, has a good chance to make the team as a utility infielder, taking the place of Dave Anderson, who was not re-signed after last season. The Dodgers are planning to play Eric Karros at first base, Jody Reed at second, Jose Offerman at shortstop and Tim Wallach at third. Elster will compete with reserve infielders Lenny Harris, Mike Sharperson and Dave Hansen.

“We are pleased to extend Kevin an invitation to spring training, and we know that if he is fully healthy, he can make a contribution at the major league level,” said Fred Claire, Dodger executive vice president.

Elster, who lives in Huntington Beach, was the Mets’ starting shortstop from 1988 through ‘91, even though he spent parts of those last two seasons on the disabled list.

Last season, he played in only six games before his surgery. The Mets did not offer him a contract for 1993.

He has a .224 career batting average with 34 home runs and 174 runs batted in. In 1989, he set a then-major league record for most consecutive errorless games by a shortstop, 88.