BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Offerman’s Backup Role Confirmed

Fred Claire, Dodger vice president, has squelched talk of acquiring San Diego shortstop Garry Templeton by confirming that triple-A shortstop Jose Offerman will be Alfredo Griffin’s replacement if Griffin is sidelined because of back problems.

“As long as Alfredo is healthy and doing the things he has shown us he can do, there is no concern,” Claire said Sunday. “But if (Griffin) has a physical problem, that is a concern. And if Alfredo is not ready to play because of health reasons, our next shortstop will be Jose Offerman. It’s that simple.”

When informed that some in the clubhouse worry about Offerman’s ability to handle the pressure in a pennant race, Claire said, “You have to give some of these players an opportunity, and we believe in his ability.”

Griffin returned to the Dodger lineup Sunday and singled twice in five at-bats to improve his average to .263. The Dodgers had their second errorless game in 12 this season.

Orel Hershiser might make his first minor-league rehabilitation start April 29 for class-A Bakersfield against High Desert in Victorville.

Hershiser and therapist Pat Screnar don’t want to get ahead of themselves, but they might schedule his next simulated game for Wednesday afternoon at Dodger Stadium so Hershiser could have the normal four days’ rest before pitching for Bakersfield on what is a travel day to Montreal for the rest of the club.

Brett Butler stole second base against All-Star catcher Benito Santiago in the eighth inning Sunday, but it was one of Butler’s few bright moments on the trip. He batted .143, dropping his average to .229. Since returning to the lineup after being sidelined because of a sore right hip, Eddie Murray is hitting .471. . . . Barry Lyons could make his first appearance of the season against the Braves tonight.