Hundley Tries to Avoid Back Surgery

Backup catcher Todd Hundley, who has an inflamed sciatic nerve in his lower back, said Friday he is determined to avoid undergoing season-ending back surgery.

“I’m doing everything possible so that doesn’t have to happen,” said Hundley, on the disabled list since May 4. “I’m in uncharted waters, so I know anything can happen, but that’s not where we are right now.”

Manager Jim Tracy said it would probably be several weeks before Hundley could begin a rehabilitation program, adding there was no timetable for the switch-hitter to resume baseball-related activities.

“I’m not going to put a deadline on anything,” said Hundley, who felt better after receiving a second epidural injection Thursday.

“These guys [the Dodger medical staff] have experience with this back stuff. I’m following their program, and we’ll see what happens.”

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Batting instructor Jack Clark, severely injured in a March 30 motorcycle accident, has been cleared to begin traveling with the club.

“It feels good, but I’m focusing on the games we’re playing right now,” said Clark, hurt in a three-vehicle accident in Phoenix before the season opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks. “It’s going to be a year before I’m totally healthy, but the doctors are telling me I’m probably ahead of schedule.”

Clark will accompany the club on a six-game trip to Milwaukee and Denver that starts May 23. Bob Mariano, roving minor league batting instructor, will resume his duties in the farm system.

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Third baseman Adrian Beltre, in a season-long slump, is trying to remain focused.

“I know it’s about results, that’s what everyone looks at, but I’m trying to do the best I can,” said Beltre, batting .199 beginning play Friday. “If anybody thinks I’m happy about batting [.199], then they don’t know what they’re talking about.

“I’m working hard, and I think [the Dodgers] know I’m working hard. I know it’s going to happen.”

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Reliever Paul Shuey, on the disabled list since April 25 because of a sprained right knee, said he felt fine after a bullpen session and expects to be activated today.

“No problems, so I guess [today] is the day,” said Shuey, who had a rough rehabilitation start Thursday for triple-A Las Vegas. “I feel like I’m ready.”

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With the team off Monday, Tracy shuffled the rotation for a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies, saying Kevin Brown will start Tuesday and Kazuhisa Ishii on Wednesday. Either Darren Dreifort or Odalis Perez will start the final game .... Infielder-outfielder Daryle Ward was not available because of soreness and swelling in his right hand. He will be reevaluated today.