BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : DeShields Has Tests on Injured Thigh

Delino DeShields had an MRI and X-rays taken Monday in New York of his upper left thigh, which he says has long been troubling him. Results are expected today from Dave Altchek, the Mets’ orthopedist who conducted the exams.

“It’s been hurting the whole time,” DeShields said. “I just want to find out what’s wrong and go from there.”

DeShields, who has two hits in his last 16 at-bats, met with Manager Tom Lasorda and the coaching staff Sunday about his struggles at the plate and brought the injury to their attention. It is a 15-year-old injury to his left quadriceps that acts up from time to time, causing weakness. Previously, he has strengthened it through exercise, but that hasn’t worked this season.

He is available to play, but Lasorda has started Jeff Treadway at second base the last couple of games to give DeShields time off.

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DeShields has become the Dodgers’ resident barber.

“Everybody says they like (DeShields’ work),” Raul Mondesi said.

DeShields and his father, Wilson, plan to open a hairstyling business close to DeShields’ hometown of Seaford, Del. His father will run it.

“I figure I had better learn how to do something else,” DeShields said. “I’m in my fifth year in the major leagues, but I am trying to prepare for the future--I’ll have babies and they will have babies.”

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The Dodgers’ recent series against Philadelphia couldn’t have come at a better time for Mike Piazza, who was able to go home to Valley Forge, Pa., after Tuesday’s All-Star game at Pittsburgh.

“I was pretty beat after the game, and it was great being home, spending time with my mom and eating her home-cooked meals,” he said. “It was really relaxing.”