Martinez Workout Has Claire Happy

Dodger starter Ramon Martinez, who was put on the disabled list June 23 because of a shoulder injury, played catch before Friday night’s game against the San Diego Padres.

Executive Vice President Fred Claire was encouraged.

“I don’t go that deep in medical evaluations, I look at faces,” Claire said. “Ramon had a big smile on his face.

“We’ll take a very conservative approach because that’s what we do. That’s what I believe in. If someone told me today that Ramon would be better off if he didn’t throw another pitch this year, Ramon wouldn’t throw another ball this year.

“His arm is far more important to me than anything. I don’t worry about it. Whether he pitches in July, August, September or the Arizona Instructional League doesn’t matter as much as long as we’re convinced that he’s healthy.

“I don’t want to put a timetable on it. He’s got a lot of steps to go through before he gets back.”

*

Catcher Mike Piazza was sorry to see the Dodgers’ four-game interleague series against the Texas Rangers and Angels end.

Piazza, who has started 72 of the Dodgers’ first 84 games, relishes the rest he gets as a designated hitter.

Piazza, who had two hits in four at-bats in Thursday night’s 8-2 victory over the Angels, has 10 hits in 22 at-bats (.455) as a designated hitter.

“Before [the Angel] series, I was really exhausted, catching two day games after two night games,” Piazza said. “It’s really been a blessing to come out and DH a couple games. It’s really given me some rest.

“I’m as big a fan of interleague play as anyone now. It gives me a break from catching.”

*

Padre third baseman Ken Caminiti, who didn’t play in Sunday’s 10-4 loss to the Dodgers after receiving a cortisone shot in his right big toe, sat out Friday night’s game because of a sore back. He’s day to day.

TODAY’S GAME

DODGERS’ ISMAEL VALDES (4-9, 3.11 ERA) vs. PADRES’ ANDY ASHBY (4-4, 3.43 ERA)

Qualcomm Stadium, 1 p.m.

Radio--KABC (790), KWKW (1330).

* Update--Valdes lost his last start, giving up a home run to Texas Ranger starter Bobby Witt, who became the first American League pitcher to hit a home run in a regular-season game in almost 25 years. Rookie second baseman Wilton Guerrero, who has sat out three games because of a strained left shoulder, might play today because the Dodgers are facing a right-hander. Guerrero’s injury makes it difficult for him to bat right-handed. Roger Cedeno has started two consecutive games in center field in place of Brett Butler, who has batted .267 since he was activated June 3. Ashby is 4-1 with a 2.05 earned-run average in 13 games against the Dodgers.