BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : Sunday Is Karros’ Day of Rest

First baseman Eric Karros refuses to discuss the subject. He wants no excuses or sympathy.

Yet Dodger officials privately rave about Karros’ heart and courage, realizing he is playing through pain. He was sidelined for the Dodgers’ 1-0 victory Sunday over the New York Mets, the first game he has sat out since April 29.

The official explanation Sunday is that Karros is suffering from an upper respiratory virus. But while Karros was suffering from flu-like symptoms, it’s no secret the Dodgers wanted to rest Karros’ inflamed left shoulder. Karros initially injured the shoulder the final week of spring training, and the pain occasionally recurs.

Karros has only one hit in his last 20 at-bats and failed to hit the ball out of the infield in all but five of those at-bats. He is batting .216 this season with nine homers and 29 RBIs. In his last 27 games, he is batting .198. Last season, Karros batted .298 with 32 homers and 105 RBIs.

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The Dodgers, preparing for the possibility of second baseman Delino DeShields’ departure next season, have converted shortstop Wilton Guerrero of triple-A Albuquerque to second base.

Guerrero, 21, considered the Dodgers’ shortstop of the future, was broached about the idea by Dodger vice president Ralph Avila. Guerrero agreed, went to the Dodgers’ Dominican Republic camp to help learn the position, and has returned to Albuquerque.

“We’re looking to where his best potential would be,” said Fred Claire, Dodger executive vice president. “I think it will prove to be a good move.”

If Guerrero continues to improve, he could start next season as the everyday second baseman. DeShields, who earns $3 million, will be eligible for arbitration again or possibly free agency. Even if players are not credited for service time and DeShields is not entitled to become a free agent, it’s highly unlikely the Dodger would offer arbitration.

“In baseball today, you always have to be ready to adjust,” Claire said. “We need to put players in the best position where he can succeed and fit the needs of the team better.”

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Met shortstop Rey Ordonez, who preserved the Mets’ victory Saturday, sat out Sunday’s game because of food poisoning and was replaced by Edgardo Alfonzo.