BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : DeShields Expected to Return Tonight

Dodger second baseman Delino DeShields, benched because of injury the last eight days, said that he will inform Manager Tom Lasorda today that he is ready to play.

Lasorda says he will immediately pencil DeShields into the lineup.

“If he says he’s fine and can play up to his capabilities, he’ll play,” Lasorda said. “It’s that simple.”

DeShields, who underwent two days of medical tests, was cleared to play by Dr. Ralph Gambardella. The MRI test on his left knee showed no broken bones or ligament damage, but “mild irritability” behind the knee.”

“What we found certainly will not preclude him from playing baseball,” Gambardella said.

Said DeShields: “I’m going to try to get out there [today], and Tommy’s going to let me play. I still don’t know if there’s something wrong with my leg, but it might be something I can’t do anything about. I’m going to play and come to a decision [on his future] at the end of the year.”

DeShields reiterated that if the pain persists this winter, he will retire.

*

Hideo Nomo threw 34 pitches in the bullpen without any discomfort and pronounced himself fit to make Sunday’s start.

Nomo was removed after four innings in his last start Tuesday against Houston because of a cracked fingernail. He had nail bonding glue placed on his finger, but said he probably won’t need a new fingernail.

“I’m fine, it feels [normal],” Nomo said.

*

Ismael Valdes, who pitched eight shutout innings Wednesday night before being replaced by Todd Worrell, was disappointed when he learned that he doesn’t receive credit for a shutout. Yet, he acknowledged that he told Lasorda and pitching coach Dave Wallace that he was tired when he came into the dugout after the eighth inning.

“Hey, at least we get a combined shutout,” Valdes said, “that’s the important thing.”

*

The Dodgers, already planning for their big three-game series next week against the Rockies, will skip Tom Candiotti’s turn. Barring a trade, they will replace Candiotti on Wednesday with Willie Banks.

“The knuckleball just doesn’t work much in that high altitude,” Candiotti said, “and I’m sure they don’t want me relying on my other stuff.”

Candiotti is 0-1 with a 27.00 ERA in his two starts at Denver.

*

Right fielder Raul Mondesi was back in the lineup Thursday after his wife, Ada, delivered their son second: Raul Adalberto.