Early Returns for Beltre Are Encouraging

Is this finally the year that Adrian Beltre breaks out of his career-long early-season funk? It’s too early to tell, but the Dodger third baseman put together a spectacular first week after hitting a single and double Sunday against the Colorado Rockies, raising his batting average to .478.

Beltre hit his third homer Saturday in only his fifth game, an encouraging sign considering it took him 19 games to reach that mark in 2001, which had been his previous best. Hitting fifth in the batting order Sunday for the first time this season, Beltre got his team-leading eighth run batted in with a single to shallow center in the fourth inning of the Dodgers’ 4-2 loss.

“If Belly can continue with the hot start, he’ll be able to really relax and do what he does in the second half of the season,” first baseman Shawn Green said. “It’s just a lot nicer to get in the beginning and relax. That’s when you put up big numbers.”

Beltre has been a decent hitter in March and April, compiling a career .286 average, but the numbers dip to .227 in May and .247 in June. Manager Jim Tracy said Beltre, expected to primarily bat in the No. 7 spot this season, has excelled by showing more discipline at the plate.

“I don’t see Adrian Beltre chasing the breaking ball down and away in the dirt in the left-handed batter’s box against right-handed pitching,” Tracy said. “When Adrian Beltre makes you throw the ball over the plate, he’s very dangerous.”

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Tracy indicated that he probably wouldn’t use Wilson Alvarez as the fifth starter Saturday against the San Francisco Giants, leaving Jose Lima and Edwin Jackson as options.

Tracy said Alvarez is an unattractive candidate because of his effectiveness out of the bullpen and the fact that he would be unavailable for three days after a start, leaving Tom Martin as the only left-hander reliever.

Lima is 1-0 with a 6.00 earned-run average in two relief appearances, giving up two runs and four hits in three innings. Jackson started Thursday for triple-A Las Vegas and gave up three hits and two runs in five innings, walking none and striking out five.

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Tracy juggled his lineup for the first time this season Sunday, moving Cesar Izturis into the leadoff spot with Dave Roberts benched against Colorado left-hander Shawn Estes. Paul Lo Duca replaced Roberts in left field and batted second, with David Ross at catcher.

Tracy gave Jose Hernandez his first start of the season because the second baseman hit nine of his 13 homers last season against left-handers. Hernandez finished one for four with a single and flied out deep to right field twice.

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The Dodgers might consider putting reserve outfielder Jayson Werth on the disabled list if the strained muscle in his side continues to bother him, Tracy said. ... Izturis stole second and third base in the fifth inning, giving the Dodgers a major league-leading 11 steals in 12 attempts.