Injury Could Hurt Cedeno

Time is running out on center fielder Roger Cedeno, who thought his time had finally arrived.

Cedeno is still sidelined with a strained right hamstring, which he suffered March 1 against the Atlanta Braves. Including the Freeway Series against the Angels, the Dodgers have only 10 spring training games left, so Cedeno might not have enough time to prepare for opening day March 31 against the St. Louis Cardinals.

He showed enough potential last season to open spring training as the projected starter, but things don’t look good for him now.

“I hate to say that, but it’s getting close to that point,” Manager Bill Russell said. “It’s one of those things where you don’t know how much longer it’s going to take [to heal], and we’re coming up to the end here real quick. If he’s not back soon, he probably won’t be ready.”

The Dodgers had an off-day Wednesday and play St. Louis today at Vero Beach, but Cedeno isn’t expected to play. He has been taking batting practice and undergoing therapy, and becoming increasingly frustrated.

“It’s feeling better, and I think I’ll be back soon,” he said. “I think maybe next week, but I’m not sure. I just have to wait.”

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Hideo Nomo had another poor outing--this time against minor leaguers. Although the Dodgers were off, Nomo pitched for the triple-A Albuquerque Dukes against the Norfolk Mets to maintain his schedule. He pitched four innings, giving up five runs and seven hits in the Dukes’ 9-8 loss at Holman Stadium. He struck out six but walked four, and Norfolk scored four runs in the first. . . . Right-hander Mark Deschenes, claimed in the Rule V draft from the Cleveland Indians, cleared waivers Wednesday and will be sent back to the Indians under the rules of the draft.