BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : DeShields’ Thigh Not Getting Better

Delino DeShields is doing exercises to strengthen his left quadriceps, but it doesn’t appear to be getting any better. It is a condition he first suffered at the age of 10, and one he says recurs periodically, leaving his leg weak. It affects him at bat and in the field.

“It’s just something I have to get through,” DeShields said. “It’s the kind of injury where I can still play, but it’s affecting me. I haven’t exercised all my options (in treatment) yet.”

DeShields, who is batting .184, said his weakened leg is the reason for his slow start, not adjusting to a new team.

“I don’t have a problem with being with the Dodgers or with the trade, I know I can help this team but I’m not physically able to do that right now,” he said.

*

Darren Dreifort wears No. 37, the number he wore during his three years at Wichita State, but that wasn’t his number of choice when he arrived at college. “I asked for No. 24, not knowing that it was my manager’s number,” Dreifort said. “So I said, ‘Oh, sorry,’ and took whatever number they had.”

Dreifort gave up five hits and the winning run in two-plus innings Saturday night, but catcher Mike Piazza said Dreifort’s sinker was moving well. “We mixed in a few sliders but it was mostly sinkers,” Piazza said.

*

Raul Mondesi says he works out with weights only about twice a week.

“I hardly ever run, my legs are just naturally big,” Mondesi, 23, said. “When I signed in 1988 I was skinny, but my legs were still big. Then I started eating good food at the camp (the Dodgers’ camp in the Dominican Republic) and my arms started filling out. But my legs are natural; God gave that to me. “

Mondesi once ate 22 slices of pizza in his rookie season at Great Falls, a feat that he is still kidded about. “I was hungry,” he says. “I still eat a lot, but not quite that much.”

*

Tom Candiotti will try for his third complete-game victory when he faces Steve Cooke today in the final game of the series. The last time a Dodger started the season with three complete games was Fernando Valenzuela, who pitched five to start the 1981 season.