Beltre could give the 51s’ lineup much-needed jolt

Steve Guiremand

Wednesday, May 9, 2001 | 10:03 a.m.

After scoring just one run in their last 23 innings, the Las Vegas 51s can definitely use a little offensive help in their lineup.

And for a few days anyway, they could get it in the form of Adrian Beltre.

After the 51s' 2-1 loss to Tucson on Tuesday night, Las Vegas manager Rick Sofield said he expected Beltre to be in uniform for tonight's game against the Sidewinders.

"I'm expecting him here (today)," Sofield said. "And if he shows up, he'll play."

Beltre is in the midst of an injury rehab stint for the Dodgers that began last week in Vero Beach. The Dodgers set a tentative big league return for their young star for Saturday against the Atlanta Braves.

Beltre, who hit .290 with 20 home runs and 85 RBIs last year for Los Angeles, has been sidelined since Jan. 12 when he underwent a botched appendectomy in his native Dominican Republic. He later had to undergo a second procedure on March 12 to repair an open wound on his large intestine which caused him to lose 24 pounds.

Earlier this week Dodger manager Jim Tracy said he wanted Beltre to play at least two games in Las Vegas before joining the Dodgers.

"The whole key is getting him the at-bats we feel he needs to get," Tracy said. "Basically, this is spring training for this guy."

Carrara, 33, was 1-2 with a 3.10 ERA in six starts with the 51s. He will be used mainly in middle and long relief.

"This guy can give us quality innings," Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said. "He creates added length in our bullpen."

To make room for Carrara, the Dodgers designated Rule V pickup Jose Nunez for assignment.

Carrara had been slated to start tonight's game for Las Vegas against Tucson. Right-hander Mark Kiefer will take over Carrara's spot in the rotation.

"For this club, losing Carrara is not good," Sofield said. "His pitch count was finally up to 100. He pitched well. He would have had a big start for us (tonight). But that's what this is all about. It's about helping the Dodgers win."

Kiefer brings an 0-4 record and 7.23 ERA into tonight's game.

"It's a great opportunity for him," Sofield said.

The 51s also added 30-year-old right-handed reliever Al Reyes, who has pitched in 173 major league games for the Brewers, Orioles and Dodgers, to their roster on Tuesday.

Right fielder Jack Cust hit a towering 450-foot home run over the center-field fence for what proved to be the game-winning run off Las Vegas starter Eddie Priest (0-1). The 51s managed just two hits in the loss.