BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Strawberry Is at a California Drug Treatment Center, His Brother Says

Darryl Strawberry entered a drug treatment center Thursday afternoon in California, according to his brother, Michael Strawberry, who would not disclose the site. The 32-year-old Dodger admitted Monday that he had a drug abuse problem, but the specific nature of the substance has not been disclosed.

“Darryl wanted to go to John Lucas’ center (in Houston), I know he talked about that, but the decision was up to somebody else,” Michael Strawberry said Friday.

Fred Claire, Dodger executive vice president, said the center was chosen by the two doctors who evaluated Strawberry Tuesday in New York. Claire said Robert Millman, who represents the owners, and Joel Solomon, who represents the players’ union, are in charge of Strawberry’s rehabilitation.

Michael Strawberry--who resigned from the LAPD in February so he could work closely with his brother--said he did not know if the center was chosen so that Strawberry could be close to his family, although he believes the family will be involved in Strawberry’s rehabilitation at some point.

“When he is settled in, I believe (the center) has a setup where family members can be involved in therapy, but that is down the road,” Strawberry said.

Michael Strawberry said he spent most of the winter with his brother, as well as a week in Vero Beach, Fla. during spring training, but saw no signs of drug abuse. “I wasn’t around him too much last season, and we weren’t as close as we have become recently,” he said.

“I loved my job as a police officer, but Darryl wanted me to work for him and be around him as a positive role model. So I took over his marketing company and was going to travel on the road with him as well. That’s all on hold for now, but the strategy remains. Whether Darryl plays for the Dodgers or whomever, he needs me to be there.”

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After bullpen coach Mark Cresse got the call Thursday night from Ron Perranoski, he turned to Darren Dreifort and told him the news: If the team tied the game or remained a run behind after the eighth inning, Dreifort would pitch the ninth. If the team went ahead, Todd Worrell would pitch.

So how did Dreifort--who had yet to pitch in a major league game--respond to the news?

“He was calm, like he has been doing this for 20 years,” said Cresse, who is in his 18th season as the bullpen coach. “(Dreifort) is really cool, but not cool to the point where he is cocky. Most guys are excitable or breathe heavy or something, but not this guy--he’s awesome.”

Dreifort retired the Florida Marlins on three ground balls.

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Catcher Carlos Hernandez was put on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained back. Tom Prince was called up from triple-A Albuquerque.