Clark Feels Ready to Lend a Hand

Batting coach Jack Clark is ready to return to the Dodgers, though maybe not to the bench.

Clark, seriously injured in a motorcycle accident March 30, said he planned to travel Sunday from his Scottsdale, Ariz., home to Los Angeles, returning in uniform for a three-game series beginning Tuesday against the San Diego Padres.

However, the popular coach probably will not sit in the dugout during games, because he “still can’t move very well, which happens when you have six broken ribs.”

Clark believes he can help the struggling club despite his condition, and the Dodgers do too.

“Whenever you have your hitting coach back, and you’re struggling hitting, you’re happy about that,” said catcher Paul Lo Duca, one of few productive everyday players. “All of our coaches are great, and Manny [Mota] has done a great job filling in for Jack, but we all miss Jack and want him back.”

Clark, who also suffered burns and deep cuts in the three-vehicle accident, recently had staples and stitches removed from his head. He still has stitches in his right wrist where a tendon was removed.

“I’d like to be out there with the guys in batting practice, just doing whatever I can,” he said. “I’m still getting a little dizzy, I guess that’s from the concussion, so I’m going to have to have some more tests done.”

Clark said he might meet with team trainer Stan Johnston or physician Frank Jobe today to determine “what they think is best to do next.”

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After suffering a sprained right ankle in Friday’s 3-2 loss, left-hander Odalis Perez said he doubted he could pitch against the Padres this week.

But the rotation was altered after Saturday’s rainout, with Perez’s turn moved from Wednesday to Thursday. An extra day off could be enough, said Perez, who will decide after a bullpen session Tuesday.

If Perez doesn’t start, Darren Dreifort will pitch.

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The Dodgers recently settled a lawsuit with a Delta fight attendant who sought $3 million in compensatory damages from the club stemming from injuries she claimed to incur on a chartered flight July 2, 2000, from San Francisco to Los Angeles, baseball officials said.

According to court documents, Sandra Komine alleged she suffered injuries in an on-flight incident involving former Dodgers Kevin Elster and Carlos Perez.

As of Sunday, the Dodgers, who declined to comment, had not reviewed terms of the settlement reached by their insurance carrier.

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Giant leadoff batter Ray Durham left in the fourth inning of Sunday’s 5-4 victory over the Dodgers after suffering a strained right groin, the Giants said. He is listed as day-to-day.