Tracy Still Seeks More From Green

Manager Jim Tracy said Shawn Green would return to the cleanup spot when his production improved.

Green, who said he has been “feeling good” at the plate recently, is batting .318 with two home runs and seven runs batted in in six games since the All-Star break. The first baseman went hitless in four at-bats in Tuesday’s 7-5 victory over Houston, and is batting .257 with 12 homers and 48 RBIs overall.

Despite Green’s hot streak, Tracy apparently wants to see more, considering third baseman Adrian Beltre has thrived batting fourth.

“He’s on the upward surge,” Tracy said of Green. “But we’re just going to continue to allow him to do those types of things, and get him very, very comfortable. And if we have to, we’ll move forward from there.”

Green’s teammates said he has appeared comfortable.

“He told me a couple of weeks ago he was starting to feel a lot better, and you can see it,” catcher Paul Lo Duca said.

Beltre said: “We know that Greenie is the best hitter on the team, and he carries us when he starts to swing this way.”

Green’s solo home run in the eighth inning Monday provided the difference in a 7-6 victory over Houston. He also hit a two-out, go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning Thursday as the Dodgers rallied for a 4-3 victory over Arizona.

Although he has made strides, Green said Beltre should remain the focal point of the batting order.

“With the way Belly has been producing all season, he should be the focus of our offense,” Green said. “ ... I’m just happy I’m feeling good again and contributing. That’s not to say I’m not going to have bad games, but the ‘feel’ is there. Hopefully it will stay there for the rest of the year.”

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Kazuhisa Ishii is among the National League leaders in walks, and the left-hander’s command problems still stir concern.

But Ishii leads the staff in victories at 11-4 with a 3.94 earned-run average. He has victories in three of his last four starts, providing stability while No. 2 starter Odalis Perez was on the disabled list.

Ishii “still has some problems every once in a while, but when you really think about it, he’s been very consistent,” Lo Duca said.

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ON DECK

Opponent -- Colorado Rockies, two games.

Tonight -- 7.

Site -- Dodger Stadium.

TV -- Fox Sports Net 2 tonight and Thursday.

Radio -- KFWB (980), KWKW (1330).

Records -- Dodgers 54-38, Rockies 38-55.

Record vs. Rockies -- 3-3.

Thursday, noon -- Odalis Perez (4-3, 2.91) vs. Aaron Cook (4-4, 5.05).