Dodger Notebook : Hamilton’s Bid Hampered by Sore Back

VERO BEACH, Fla. — Jeff Hamilton, who will try to unseat incumbent Bill Madlock as the Dodgers’ starting third baseman, was back at practice Friday after missing a day with a bad back. Hamilton said he suffered a recurrence of a strained back that has bothered him for about four years.

“It just flares up,” he said.

Hamilton played in Friday’s final intrasquad game and will play in today’s exhibition opener against Houston at Kissimmee, Fla.

“It usually happens at least once in spring training,” he said. “Also, this year, I didn’t give it any rest because (of) winter ball. I’ve been kind of lazy with it. I’ve got to keep flexible and working so it doesn’t stiffen up.”

Dodger Notes Barry Rona, president of the owners’ Player Relations Committee, had lunch with Dodger officials Friday. National League President A. Barlett Giamatti visited Dodgertown Friday night. . . . Bob Welch, who had X-rays taken of the chronic bone spur in his right elbow Thursday, threw batting practice Friday and reported no pain. Welch will not appear in Monday’s exhibition game against Baltimore at Miami, as had been scheduled, but instead will pitch batting practice that day. . . . Barring bad weather--the forecast is for rain--Orel Hershiser and Tim Leary will pitch in today’s game against the Astros. Most of the regulars will make the trip, including Pedro Guerrero. . . . The highlight of Friday’s intrasquad game was provided by non-roster catcher Homer Rojas, who hit two singles, drove in a run and threw out a runner attempting to steal second base. Rojas, a native of Mexico, signed with the Dodgers Feb. 13. He hit .319 with 23 home runs and 89 RBIs in the Mexican League. He was discovered by Dodger scout Mike Brito.