BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Worrell Has No Pain After Workout

Reliever Todd Worrell threw off the mound for about 10 minutes before Friday night’s game and reported no pain in his right forearm, which he strained April 7 while pitching against the Florida Marlins.

“He did not throw with full effort,” therapist Pat Screnar said. “We’ll see how he is tomorrow (Saturday) and go from there.”

Worrell is eligible to come off the disabled list April 23, but he is not sure he will be ready then.

“We have to wait and see if 15 days is enough to get me to full speed,” Worrell said. “If not, we’ll have to take it a week at a time.”

Worrell said he threw mostly fastballs in his workout, mixing in a few changeups and about six sliders. “I said from the beginning that it would take every bit of 15 days,” he said.

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Tom Candiotti, a victim of non-support on several occasions last season, found himself on the short end again Wednesday night, when he gave up one run in eight innings against St. Louis but came away with no decision. The Cardinals won the game, 2-1, in 15 innings.

The Dodgers averaged only 3.23 runs per game for Candiotti in 1992, the second lowest total for any National League pitcher.

But Candiotti still thinks this year will be different.

“Our defense is so much better this year,” he said. “Any time you have great defense, you have a chance to win games.”

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Shortstop Kevin Elster, sidelined because of a sprained right shoulder, made cross-diamond throws for the fourth consecutive day Friday, an encouraging sign in his comeback attempt.

Elster will soon begin a rehabilitation stint in Vero Beach. The Dodgers want to see him field his position for a week in game situations before making a decision.