Claire Suffering From Viral Infection

Fred Claire, hospitalized after fainting at Dodger Stadium on Sunday night, has a viral infection, based on initial tests conducted by team physician Michael Mellman.

The 62-year-old Claire, who became ill during the middle of Sunday night’s game and was hospitalized, remained at Centinela Hospital Medical Center on Monday night while the tests were completed. If no further medical problems are found, Claire is expected to be released today.

“He is not in the hospital because he is in any danger,” Mellman said. “He became nauseated, and dehydrated. His blood pressure lowered and he passed out when he stood up.

“It’s nothing atypical. It just happened in dramatic fashion at Dodger Stadium.”

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First baseman Eric Karros, recovering from knee surgery on March 24, could be ready for a rehab assignment as early as this weekend and could be ready to play for the Dodgers by the next homestand, according to Manager Bill Russell.

Karros, who had torn cartilage in his left knee, is hesitant to declare himself fit until he tests his knee by running on it.

Karros is expected to begin running in his rehab program this week, perhaps as soon as today.

“Everything has gone well with my rehab,” said Karros, who appeared in 13 spring training games, the last on Mar. 16. “It’s been very positive. I haven’t had any setbacks and, hopefully, that will continue.”

Although he has swung the bat, Karros has strictly followed doctor’s orders to avoid running.

“I’m not messing with it at all,” he said.

When Karros is ready for his rehab assignment, he will probably go to Dodgers’ California League team, the San Bernardino Stampede.

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Shortstop Jose Vizcaino, out three games because of a strained left hamstring, pinch-hit in Monday night’s game and laid down a crucial sacrifice bunt that set up Wilton Guerrero’s game-winning hit.

ON DECK

Opponent--Colorado Rockies, two games.

Site--Coors Field.

Tonight--6 p.m. PDT.

TV--Fox Sports West 2.

Radio--AM (1150), KWKW (1330).

Records--Dodgers 6-6, Rockies 5-9.

1997 record vs. Rockies--5-9

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ ISMAEL VALDES (1-1, 3.65 ERA)

vs.

ROCKIES’ MARK THOMPSON (1-0, 7.20 ERA)

* Update--The Dodgers begin an eight-game trip that will also take them to Chicago for three against the Cubs and to Milwaukee for three against the Brewers. It will be the Dodgers’ first trip to Milwaukee since the Braves left there after the 1965 season for Atlanta. Although his earned-run average is at 3.65, Valdes is 9-3 with a 2.13 ERA in his last 17 starts, stretching back to last June 25. Todd Zeile has hit in seven straight games, batting .393 over that stretch. The Dodgers won five out of the six games they played at Coors Field last season.

* Wednesday, 6 p.m. PDT--Ramon Martinez (2-1, 2.18) vs. Darryl Kile (1-2, 6.63).