BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : Karros Optimistic About Opener

First baseman Eric Karros, who played in only four spring training games because of tendinitis in his left shoulder and a pulled left hamstring, is optimistic that he will be ready for Monday’s season opener at Houston.

Karros said he felt good after taking light batting practice Thursday at Dodger Stadium.

“I haven’t thrown in the white flag,” he said. “We’ve still got three or four days to go and . . . I think I can play through this.

“I think the real test will be [batting practice tonight before the Freeway Series game against the Angels at Anaheim]. I don’t want to get into a situation where I’m playing 60% all year long because that won’t do the team any good at all. If I am going to miss some games it would be better to miss four or five [early ones] than to be out for an extended period of time.”

If Karros can’t play Monday, Manager Tom Lasorda said he would probably start Dave Hansen, who started 12 spring training games, at first base.

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Todd Hollandsworth, who battled Billy Ashley for the starting left-field spot, will start opening day.

Right-hander Doug Drabek will start the opener for the Astros and Hollandsworth will start because he is left-handed. Although Hollandsworth also figures to start the second game against right-hander Shane Reynolds, Lasorda said he plans to platoon Hollandsworth with Roger Cedeno and Ashley until someone establishes himself as the starter.

Hollandsworth hit .254 in 23 exhibition games, with three home runs and 15 RBIs.

Ashley, who opened last season in left field, struggled in spring training, hitting .100 in 14 games, He struck out 14 times in 30 at-bats.

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The Dodgers haven’t had a home rainout since 1988, but rain washed out most of Thursday’s planned workout.