Triple Threat in Infield

The Dodgers might need a new term for their middle-infield rotation this season. It won’t be a straight platoon, because three players -- Alex Cora, Cesar Izturis and Joe Thurston -- are expected to share shortstop and second base. It’s like the old NBA free-throw opportunity: three to make two.

“I could foresee a situation where all three middle infielders play an equal amount of time,” Manager Jim Tracy said. “That would be a good thing.”

And a new thing.

“I’ve never seen it before,” said Cora, the most versatile defensive player of the three. “But I guess if it works, it works.”

Necessity, in this case, is the mother of invention. Cora, 27, is the most accomplished of the three, having hit .291 with five home runs and 28 runs batted last season, but he hasn’t put together the kind of full, all-around season that would establish him as the clear-cut starter.

Izturis, 23, is a superb defensive shortstop, but the switch-hitter had a .253 on-base percentage last season, worst among National League regulars, and struggled from the left side, batting only .195.

Thurston, 23, hit .334 and led the minor leagues with 196 hits for triple-A Las Vegas last season, and he was the reason the Dodgers didn’t think twice about trading second baseman Mark Grudzielanek to the Chicago Cubs this winter.

But for all of Thurston’s potential, he has played only eight games in the big leagues, and like most rookies, there is the chance he could be overwhelmed at times by opposing pitchers.

But with three options up the middle, Tracy can mix and match.

Against tough left-handers, Izturis could start at shortstop and hit from the right side, and either Cora or Thurston, who both bat left-handed, could play second. Against right-handers, Tracy could start Cora at short and Thurston at second.

When Izturis plays, it will be at shortstop, because he is clearly better at short than second. Though Thurston can play short, he is better at second. But Cora is equally proficient at each position, and that gives Tracy more flexibility.

“I can entertain any combination, because the thought, ‘Will they catch the ball?’ is not in my mind,” Tracy said. “It’s, who needs rest? Who is a better matchup against that night’s pitcher?

“But if it gets to a point where a guy is doing all the necessary things [to be an everyday player], I’ve got to go with him.”

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Hideo Nomo gave up one run and four hits in three innings, and Ron Coomer hit a two-run home run to help the Dodgers defeat the Florida Marlins, 6-4, in an exhibition game at Holman Stadium.

Left-hander Odalis Perez is suffering from flu-like symptoms and has been scratched from today’s start against St. Louis. Andy Ashby, who was scheduled to start a “B” game this morning, instead will start against the Cardinals in Jupiter, Fla.

Minor league pitcher Masao Kida, injured in a car accident Saturday night, was released from the hospital Monday. The team’s Japanese interpreter, Teppei Shiokawa, who was seriously injured in the head-on crash, underwent exploratory surgery Monday after having his spleen removed and a torn bowel repaired Saturday night.

Shiokawa’s internal bleeding has stopped, there was no sign of infection, and his vital signs were good. He remained in intensive care at Orlando Regional Hospital but is expected to make a full recovery.