Down Not Concerned With Karros

Batting coach Rick Down isn’t among those concerned about first baseman Eric Karros’ early slump.

In another typically slow start, Karros is batting .190 after striking out in his only official at-bat in Monday’s 1-0 loss to the New York Mets at Shea Stadium. Karros, who has four home runs and 12 runs batted in, walked twice and was hit by a pitch.

He has struggled during April in his previous eight seasons, facing slump questions daily.

But Karros always rebounded, finishing among the club’s leaders in homers and RBIs each season.

“The sun coming up in the morning should be a bigger concern [for fans and reporters] than E.K. producing,” Down said. “No matter how anyone looks at what E.K. is doing now, the important thing is what he does over the long haul.”

After struggling early last season, Karros established career highs with a .304 average, 40 doubles and 112 RBIs. He also matched his personal best with 34 homers.

He is the only player in Los Angeles franchise history to hit at least 30 homers with 100 RBIs three consecutive seasons. Down said he doesn’t have to worry about Karros.

“My job is to just make sure he prepares himself as he always does, and you know E.K. will,” he said. “E.K. is a grinder. He’s always pushing himself and doing whatever he has to do to get the job done.

“That’s his biggest contribution; E.K. always finds a way. He knows he might not have the best swing, he’s not the fastest guy around and other guys might have better tools. But when it comes time to add up the numbers, E.K. is always right there.”

*

Matt Herges is realistic about his strong start.

The rookie reliever hasn’t been charged with a run in seven appearances, giving up only four hits while striking out eight in 12 innings.

“This isn’t going to last forever,” he said. “I mean, everything is going great, and I’m real pleased with how I’m throwing, but I’m going to give up runs. At some point, I’m going to get pounded.”

Three of the six runners Herges inherited have scored. Those runs, though, were charged to others.

The longtime minor leaguer said the key for him will be how he fares after his first difficult outing.

“You know it’s going to come because that’s the way this game is,” he said. “Hopefully, when it does happen, I’ll be able to bounce back OK.”

*

Rookie left-hander Jeff Williams will be optioned to triple-A Albuquerque today to make room for Kevin Brown on the 25-man roster.

Williams struggled with his command in four appearances, walking six in three innings. He gave up eight hits and six earned runs.

The Dodgers expected more after his strong September audition. Williams went 2-0 with a 4.08 earned-run average in five outings, including three starts.

Manager Davey Johnson still hopes Williams will help fill the left-hander void in the bullpen.

“I told him what I expect him to do [at Albuquerque],” Johnson said. “I want him to work on some things to get him pitching like he was last year when I brought him up.”

*

Chan Ho Park plans to test the blister on his pitching hand today during a bullpen session.

The blister formed on the right-hander’s middle finger during Saturday’s game.

“It felt better, but I want to make sure,” said Park, who played catch Monday. “I should be even better today.”

ON DECK

* Opponent--Atlanta Braves, three games.

* Site--Turner Field, Atlanta.

* Today--4:30 p.m. PDT.

* TV--Channel 5 today, ESPN2 Wednesday.

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

* Records--Dodgers 11-7, Braves 12-6.

* Record vs. Braves (1999)--4-5.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’

KEVIN BROWN

(1-0, 4.91 ERA)

vs.

BRAVES’

TOM GLAVINE

(3-0, 2.57 ERA)

* Update--The seemingly improved Dodgers are eager to test themselves against the best. The defending National League champions are again considered the class of the league. Brown returns to the mound for the first time since breaking his right pinky finger April 8 against the Mets. Brown’s finger hasn’t completely healed, but team medical personnel have cleared him to play. Club officials are concerned about Brown aggravating the injury while batting. Johnson has encouraged the No. 1 starter to be especially careful at the plate. Glavine has been in top form. The two-time Cy Young Award winner is among the league leaders in many categories. The left-hander is 14-5 with a 3.80 ERA against the Dodgers.

* Wednesday, 4 p.m. PDT--Eric Gagne (0-0, 3.86) vs. Kevin Millwood (1-0, 4.32).

* Thursday, 10 a.m. PDT--Chan Ho Park (3-1, 3.38) vs. Terry Mulholland (2-2, 5.33).