Russell Is Expected to Get Extension

It’s only a formality, according to sources, that Manager Bill Russell will receive a one-year contract extension after the season.

Russell has a 41-29 record, including 27-14 since it was announced that he was replacing Tom Lasorda for the remainder of the season.

“You can’t say one bad thing against Billy,” injured center fielder Brett Butler said, “because he’s done a great job. I think Billy is going to be a fine manager, and will be here a long time.”

*

Mark Guthrie may be the best-kept secret in the National League.

He has emerged as the Dodgers’ top setup man, and has been instrumental in closer Todd Worrell’s success. He is 2-2 with a 2.04 earned-run average, and has yielded a run in only 10 of his 59 appearances.

“This guy has been unbelievable,” pitching coach Dave Wallace said. “Anybody who has watched us player all year knows the terrific job he’s done. I know the saves go to Todd, but those games are saved in the eighth with [Guthrie].”

Guthrie has been bothered for the last month with a stiff neck that has caused pain in his left shoulder, but he refuses to let it sideline him.

“This is the time of year you want to pitch,” said Guthrie, who is yielding a .230 batting average against lefties and a .213 average against right-handers. “I can rest in the off-season. But my neck’s getting a lot better. If it wasn’t for [physical therapist] Pat Screnar, I wouldn’t be able to be out there.

“He’s made it all possible.”

*

Mike Piazza extended his hitting streak to a career-high 19 games with a first-inning single. . . . Russell said that he might rest struggling second baseman Delino DeShields a few more games and let Chad Fonville play. DeShields is in a one-for-29 slump. . . . If there is a one-game playoff between the Dodgers and San Diego, it will be played Monday, Sept. 30, at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers won the coin flip with the Padres.