DODGERS REPORT

Left-hander Mark Guthrie got the news he hoped for Wednesday, when he experienced no elbow problems after throwing for about 12 minutes and was pronounced fit to pitch if needed this weekend against the Giants in the Dodgers’ final trip of the season.

Prospects apparently aren’t as bright for right-hander Darren Dreifort, who has a sore pitching shoulder and hasn’t pitched since Sept. 4. “He’s very doubtful for the rest of the season,” Manager Glenn Hoffman said. “It’s a precaution. I know he wants [to pitch] very bad, but it’s something that will be discussed after [Wednesday].”

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The Dodgers announced their 1999 schedule, which will open at home on Monday, April 5, with a three-game series against Arizona followed by four games against Colorado. Interleague play will include a June 4-9 homestand that features the Angels and the Texas. For tickets and information, call (213) 224-1HIT. . . . Infielder Mike Metcalfe, called up from double-A San Antonio after second baseman Eric Young suffered a broken right foot, became the 53rd player to wear a Dodger uniform this season, extending the Los Angeles record. The previous Los Angeles record of 49 players was set in 1995. The franchise record is 55, set in 1944.