He’s Got a Prime Number

The old No. 15 worn by Davey Lopes and Shawn Green appears odd on the back of a pitcher, but so be it: Scott Erickson, the Dodgers’ newest No. 15, has all but won a job in the starting rotation.

“Is it safe to say Scott Erickson is pushing his way toward a spot on this club?” Manager Jim Tracy said. “I’d say he’s definitely headed in the right direction.”

Erickson pitched five innings Tuesday, giving up all three runs -- on two home runs -- in a 3-3 tie with the Atlanta Braves. In 14 spring innings, he has given up four runs, seven hits and two walks.

Erickson, 37, sat out the 2003 season after shoulder surgery and won one game last year, for the Texas Rangers.

He said he has not been told he has made the rotation but has been told he would pitch every five days, which would put him on course to start the fifth game of the season.

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Outfielder Jayson Werth is scheduled for an MRI exam and a CT scan today to determine how the chip fracture near his left wrist is healing -- and whether he can return by opening day.... Rookie Jason Repko, who could make the team if Werth is put on the disabled list, is hitting .414.... The Dodgers lead the majors in earned-run average, at 2.99.... Pitcher Odalis Perez could make his exhibition debut Sunday or Monday.... The Dodgers have not lost since March 8. Since then, they have had three victories, three ties and two rainouts.... Pull up a chair: Vin Scully makes his spring debut today, on a 980 radio broadcast that airs at 8 p.m. The Dodgers play Baltimore.