Dreifort Not Used to This Much Rest

Darren Dreifort has waited patiently to make an impact as a starting pitcher, but his patience is waning.

The hard-throwing right-hander has made one start, and is scheduled to start once more this month. Dreifort understands why his opportunities have been limited--but that doesn’t make things easier.

“I’m used to pitching a lot more than I have,” Dreifort said. “Would I rather be out there all the time? Of course I would. But you have to do what’s best for the team.”

The Dodgers have primarily used a four-man rotation because of off-days during the month.

Dreifort has also made four relief appearances, and is 0-1 with a 3.55 earned-run average. Each member of the rotation is scheduled to start six times in May.

“I’ve been talking to him, because it can get a little tough when you’re in his position,” pitching coach Glenn Gregson said. “But he’s going to get his opportunities real soon.”

*

Outfielder Roger Cedeno, who has been sidelined since March 2 because of a severely strained right hamstring, began his rehabilitation assignment with the Dodgers’ Class-A team at Vero Beach, Fla. Cedeno had been playing in extended spring training games in Vero Beach.

ON DECK

* Opponent--Chicago Cubs, three games.

* Site--Wrigley Field.

* Today--12:15 p.m. PDT.

* TV--WGN today, Channel 5 Saturday and Sunday.

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

* Records--Dodgers 7-7, Cubs 9-6.

* 1997 record vs. Cubs--Dodgers, 6-5.

DODGERS’ CHAN HO PARK (1-0, 3.95 ERA)

vs.

CUBS’ MARK CLARK (2-0, 2.86 ERA)

* Update--Park refused to use his lower back strain as an excuse for his poor outing against the Houston Astros on Sunday. He gave up five runs (four earned) on eight hits in three innings, but the Dodgers rallied to win, 7-6, in 10 innings on Raul Mondesi’s two-out, two-run home run. “I needed to focus more because of my back, and I didn’t,” said Park, who struck out five and walked four. “My back wasn’t 100%, but I just needed to concentrate a little bit more--that was my biggest problem.” The Cubs ended their four-game losing streak Thursday with an 8-4 victory over the New York Mets at Shea Stadium. Former Dodger Henry Rodriguez is batting .333 with six home runs and 13 runs batted in.

* Saturday, 11:15 a.m.--Hideo Nomo (1-1, 3.88) vs. Kerry Wood (0-1, 7.71).

* Sunday, 11:15 a.m.--Ismael Valdes (1-2, 5.09) vs. Jeremi Gonzalez (0-2, 11.70).