Russell Upset With Poor Play

Manager Bill Russell, angered by his team’s lackadaisical play, vented his frustration Friday before leaving Vero Beach for Broken Arrow, Okla., to attend his daughter’s wedding.

“You can’t just turn it on and turn it off,” Russell said. “We’ve got to start playing the game right.”

Friday night’s exhibition against the New York Mets was rained out so the Dodgers still have a 4-9-1 spring record, on pace for their worst since moving to Los Angeles.

The Dodgers’ primary concern has been their offense. They are hitting only .235--the second-worst in the major leagues ahead of only the Montreal Expos.

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Outfielder Billy Ashley took a cortisone shot for sore ribs. He is expected to be out until early next week.