BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Martinez Says He Is Ready to Pitch

Ramon Martinez pronounced himself ready to pitch Saturday against the Braves after throwing in the bullpen Wednesday for 12 minutes. His fitness has been a source of concern since he was struck on the right biceps by a line drive Aug. 20, and he received a cortisone injection Tuesday to reduce inflammation.

“I’m going, for sure,� said Martinez, who is scheduled to follow Tim Belcher in the rotation. “I feel right today.�

Mike Morgan, who was to start Sunday’s game on three days’ rest, apparently will be held out until Tuesday, and Bob Ojeda will start Sunday.

“There’s no reason for me to come back (on short rest). I can probably use the extra day,� said Morgan, who threw 89 pitches in seven innings in the Dodgers’ 5-4 victory over Houston on Wednesday.

“I’m no hero. Bobby O has been in this situation before, and I’d just as soon sit in the dugout and let a good pitcher like him work.�

Manager Tom Lasorda said he “hadn’t solidified� the rotation because he had “a couple of things we want to talk about.�

Starting Ojeda, who pitched Tuesday, means a skipped turn for Orel Hershiser. He pitched Monday and gave up one run in seven innings but didn’t get the decision in the Dodgers’ 6-5, 12-inning victory. He threw lightly Wednesday.

“I can’t go forward with any vigorous program until I find out what’s happening,� Hershiser said. “They’ll tell me when they’re ready. The most important thing is that we win. It’s cliche-ish, but true.�

Should the Dodgers and Braves be tied at the end of the regular season, the Dodgers would play host to a one-game playoff Oct. 7 to decide the NL West championship. Dodger Executive Vice President Fred Claire correctly called heads in a coin toss conducted via conference call from the office of NL President Bill White. . . . The Dodgers’ game at San Diego Tuesday has been moved back to 7:30 p.m. from 7 p.m. to accommodate ESPN. . . . Darryl Strawberry’s first-inning double ended his streak of 14 at-bats without a hit. . . . Strawberry, Eddie Murray and Kal Daniels were hitting a collective .318 in September before Wednesday’s game with nine home runs and 50 RBIs.