Butler’s Emotions an Unknown Factor

Center fielder Brett Butler still is not sure how he will react Friday night when he steps onto the field at Dodger Stadium but figures it will be the most emotional game of his career.

He remembers playing for the Giants when Dave Dravecky came back after cancer to pitch in 1989. He remembers Dodger pitcher Orel Hershiser’s comeback after surgery in 1991. And, of course, there are the memories of a year ago when he played in front of his mother for the final time before she died of brain cancer.

Yet, four months since learning he had cancer, this may be the topper.

“Think about it,” Butler said. “I’m coming back after two surgeries and 32 radiation treatments. People said, ‘You can’t do this, or you can’t do that,’ and here I am.

“I want people to know that I felt their prayers, and I felt their love. I believe God answers prayers. I want to acknowledge that in some capacity. This is an opportunity to show off my faith. I am a disciple for Jesus. Now, I’ll be able to measure my success from the lowness of my career.”

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Manager Bill Russell could be faced with a difficult decision if Butler struggles in his first few games. He will have to decide whether to continue playing Butler or turn back to the platoon of Wayne Kirby and Chad Curtis.

“Butler is going to play every day,” Russell said. “But we’ll have to see how much he can play, and how well he is playing. I’m not going to put him out there too long if he’s not doing the job, obviously.

“This is the time of year you go with who’s hot, who’s playing the best.”

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Vice President Ralph Avila, who underwent triple-bypass surgery, was released from the hospital and is resting comfortably, the Dodgers said. . . . Todd Hollandsworth will miss today’s game to attend his grandfather’s funeral in Florida.