Lofton Just About Ready for Return

Center fielder Kenny Lofton endured a grueling pregame workout without pain in his calf, and the Dodgers plan to activate him from the disabled list in time to begin the homestand Friday against the San Francisco Giants.

He hasn’t been terribly missed because Jason Repko has performed so well in center and is batting .323 despite going 0 for 4 in Tuesday’s loss to the Pirates.

Lofton, though, has missed playing.

“I’m anxious,” he said. “I just want to be part of what’s going on here.”

His return will affect several outfielders. Either Repko or left fielder Jose Cruz Jr. no longer will play every day. And Cody Ross might end his association with the Dodgers.

Ross is two for six with a triple and a stolen base. But that isn’t enough for him to take a job from Repko, Cruz or veteran Ricky Ledee. Because Ross is out of options, he can’t be sent to the minors unless he clears waivers.

When Lofton is activated, the Dodgers are expected to designate Ross for assignment, which would give them 10 days to trade him. He will spend 72 hours on waivers at some point during those 10 days. Only if he goes unclaimed can the Dodgers keep him and send him to the minors.

Losing Ross would be “a shame because of what we’ve seen so far out of him,” Manager Grady Little said. “But that’s life.”

Ross’ presence has kept top prospects Joel Guzman and Andre Ethier from being rushed to the big leagues.

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Nomar Garciaparra, who has a strained rib cage, is not as close as Lofton to coming off the disabled list. The first baseman has not taken batting practice and has hit only off a tee the last few days. “He puts out such energy with each swing he takes, and we can’t let him do that quite yet,” Little said.... Cruz was scratched near game time because of illness. He pinch-hit in the eighth and beat out a roller to second for a single.... Second baseman Jeff Kent is one for his last 17 and doesn’t have a run batted in since knocking in four opening day.

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