Castro, the Dependable Utilityman

Utility infielder Juan Castro isn’t a big-name guy, but the Dodgers see him as an integral part of their playoff hopes. He will be used as a late-game replacement for second baseman Wilton Guerrero, third baseman Todd Zeile and even shortstop Greg Gagne.

“The guy is invaluable to us,” Manager Bill Russell said. “His hands are incredible. Really. He can help us anywhere.”

Castro simply wants to prove he’s a major league player. He will open the season on the 25-man roster.

“This is my dream come true,” said Castro, who leads the Dodgers with a .412 batting average. “My goal is to play every day, but right now, I’ll play wherever they need me.”

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Mark Guthrie, who became a free agent, was promised an opportunity to compete for a starting job when he signed a two-year, $3.2-million contract.

With only five days until the Dodgers break camp, Guthrie still has not started a game and will resume his role in the bullpen.

“I have no regrets,” Guthrie said. “I know I’m more valuable to the team as a reliever, anyway. I knew when I signed that it was a longshot.”

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The Dodgers have begun an attempt to trade center fielder Roger Cedeno, but have not granted permission to Cedeno’s agent to help facilitate a deal. . . . Friday’s exhibition against the Montreal Expos was rained out after one inning. . . . The Dodgers plan to pitch Ramon Martinez and Hideo Nomo in the first game of the Freeway Series on Friday, Ismael Valdes and Pedro Astacio in the second game and Chan Ho Park and Tom Candiotti in the finale.