Who’s at Shortstop? Elster In, Cora Out

Before spring training, it was figured that the Dodgers’ starting shortstop job was rookie Alex Cora’s to lose.

But with Kevin Elster playing well, Cora was optioned to triple-A Albuquerque Friday.

Cora, 24, wasn’t thrilled but said he understood.

“I just have to be patient,” he said. “My time will come, either later this year or next year.

“I know I’m still young and they don’t want to sacrifice my future. . . . If something happens [in L.A.], I’m in there.”

The light-hitting Cora batted .176 with two doubles and two runs scored in 15 Grapefruit League games. His on-base percentage was .243 and he had a team-high four errors.

Elster, 35, is batting .233 with a home run, six runs batted in and four runs scored. He also has a .361 on-base percentage and one error.

Dodger Manager Davey Johnson said that playing every day will hasten Cora’s development.

“I look at him as a No. 1 shortstop,” Johnson said. “I didn’t want him sharing or platooning.

“If we get more proficient in the middle of the lineup, I wouldn’t hesitate to go get him. He knows the job is there for him. It could happen at any time.”

Well, not necessarily. After optioning a player, the parent club can’t recall him for at least 10 days, unless another player is lost to injury. So with opening day 10 days away, there’s still an outside chance Cora will make the roster.

The Dodgers also optioned outfielder Tony Mota to Albuquerque. Mota, the son of coach Manny Mota, was batting .348 with three doubles and two RBIs. His .444 on-base percentage led the team.

“He’s been a pleasant surprise,” Johnson said.

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Todd Hollandsworth’s seventh-inning grand slam was one of three Dodger home runs in their 6-5 comeback victory over the Houston Astros at Holman Stadium.

Down 5-0 in the fifth inning, Devon White and Eric Karros hit solo homers off tiring Astro starter Shane Reynolds. Hollandsworth hit his homer off Scott Elarton.

Right fielder Shawn Green extended his spring training hitting streak to eight games. He is batting .458 in that span, up from .182 in his first nine games.