Beltre’s Appendectomy Shouldn’t Detain Him

Adrian Beltre underwent an emergency appendectomy Friday in the Dominican Republic, but a Dodger official said Wednesday the third baseman is expected to report to spring training on time.

“All indications are that Adrian’s surgery was successful, and that he will not miss any time in spring training,” said Derrick Hall, senior vice president. “Our medical staff has been in contact with Adrian and has been monitoring the situation closely.”

Beltre, 21, was still in the hospital Wednesday and unavailable for comment, but a relative at his family’s home in the Dominican Republic said Beltre is expected to be discharged today.

Hall said Beltre plans to report to Dodgertown at Vero Beach, Fla., Feb. 19 for the start of full-squad workouts. Pitchers, catchers and players undergoing rehabilitation report Feb. 14.

Last season, Beltre batted .290--.331 after the All-Star break--with 20 home runs, 30 doubles and 85 runs batted in. He also committed a team-high 23 errors.

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Left-handed reliever Jesse Orosco, whom the club is interested in signing, is scheduled to pitch Jan. 25 at Dodger Stadium for General Manager Kevin Malone and Manager Jim Tracy.

The 21-year veteran, who turns 44 on April 21, pitched for the Dodgers in 1988.

Orosco, who sat out most of last season because of an injury to his pitching elbow and is coming off surgery, also plans to audition for six to 10 other clubs Jan. 30 near his off-season home in San Diego.

“I want to emphasize that Jesse did not have reconstructive surgery, he had minor surgery to his left flexor tendon,” agent Alan Meersand said. “He’s been throwing 100 pitches three times a week and he feels great. Jesse wants to pitch until he’s 50 years old. That’s been the plan all along.”

Orosco has a record of 84-75 with 141 saves and a 3.03 earned-run average. He is the majors’ all-time leader in appearances with 1,096.

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Infielder Tim Bogar and right-hander Doug Linton signed minor league contracts with the Dodgers and were invited to spring training.