BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Elster Not Added to Major Roster

Fred Claire, the Dodgers’ executive vice president, indicated Saturday night that he is not ready to give up on Kevin Elster, but not convinced enough to add the shortstop to the team’s major league roster. Claire, whose interest in Elster is as a backup to Jose Offerman, had until midnight Saturday to add Elster, who has been trying to prove since spring training that his surgically repaired shoulder is sound.

Elster, 28, is on a minor league contract and has spent the past two weeks playing with the Dodgers’ double-A club in San Antonio. Claire had Mel Didier, an advance scout, evaluate Elster. Didier said that Elster is not 100%, but is close. Elster twice has had shoulder surgery, the last time in April of 1992.

Claire would like Elster to continue to play under a minor league contract and Elster has until 5 p.m. Monday to decide whether to remain a minor leaguer or become a free agent.

Manager Tom Lasorda would not indicate his choice, but insiders said he pushed hard for Elster. Meanwhile, Offerman failed to run out a routine grounder during Saturday’s game.

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Claire confirmed that minor league hitting instructor Reggie Smith will be working with Eric Davis in Los Angeles beginning Monday. When Claire was asked if he is considering sending Davis to the minor leagues to work on his batting mechanics, Claire said: “That is not something we are considering at this time.” . . . Today’s Dodger pitcher, Pedro Astacio, has struggled in three of his last four starts and may go to the bullpen if he doesn’t pitch well today. His replacement would be Pedro Martinez, who has been impressive in relief.

Eric Karros, talking about whether Darryl Strawberry will be missed since being put on the 15-day disabled list Friday: “It’s not like Darryl is putting up monster numbers or something,” Karros said. Strawberry was batting .141, with four home runs and 10 runs batted in, in 25 games.