Chicago Rainout Throws Off Elster’s Scheduled Return

Shortstop Kevin Elster’s return from the disabled list has been delayed, the Dodgers said after Thursday’s game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field was postponed because of rain.

Elster was expected to be activated today, but poor weather during the series prevented him from working out. Physical therapist Pat Screnar wants to observe Elster today to determine whether his pulled groin muscle has healed enough for him to return.

Elster has been on the disabled list since early May. He said the delay is only precautionary.

“We’re just going to wait a day because I wasn’t able to get out on the field,” he said. “I think it’s more for Pat than anything because I feel fine. He just wants to be on the safe side.”

Manager Davey Johnson said Elster will bat and field during a simulated game today. If Elster’s groin responds well, he will be activated Saturday.

Shortstop Alex Cora is expected to be optioned to triple-A Albuquerque to make room for Elster on the 25-man roster.

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Dion Perozzi, the fan who retrieved Chad Kreuter’s cap Tuesday night, returned it to a local radio station. A producer from the station tried to return the cap to Kreuter in the clubhouse Thursday, but the backup catcher declined. . . . Devon White continues rehabilitation from his partially torn rotator cuff, but it will be two or three weeks before the Dodgers are able to determine if he needs season-ending surgery.

ON DECK

* Opponent--Florida Marlins, three games.

* Site--Pro Player Stadium, Miami.

* Today--4 p.m. PDT.

* TV--Channel 5 Saturday and Sunday.

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

* Records--Dodgers 21-17, Marlins 22-20.

* Record vs. Marlins--3-0.

TODAY

DODGERS’

CHAN HO PARK

(4-3, 4.94 ERA)

vs.

MARLINS’

VLADIMIR NUNEZ

(0-3, 8.69 ERA)

* Update--Johnson shuffled the rotation after Thursday’s rainout. Park pitches the series opener, instead of Carlos Perez, who is scheduled to start Saturday. Kevin Brown will start Sunday, bumping rookie right-hander Eric Gagne.

* Saturday, 4 p.m. PDT--Carlos Perez (3-2, 5.93) vs. Brad Penny (3-5, 4.99).

* Sunday, 10 a.m. PDT--Kevin Brown (2-1, 2.49) vs. Jesus Sanchez (4-2, 4.98).