BASEBALL DAILY REPORT

Center fielder Brett Butler has been cleared by doctors to begin his strength and conditioning program in an attempt to rejoin the Dodgers in September. Butler, who had surgery and has completed radiation therapy for cancer in his throat, has a weakened shoulder from the surgery.

“We’re optimistic he will eventually regain his strength, but it’s difficult to put a timetable on it. We just don’t know how long it will be,” team physical therapist Pat Screnar said.

Butler will begin a three- or four-week strength and conditioning program beginning Monday with physical therapist Mackie Shilstone.