VERO BEACH, Fla. -- Orioles manager Ray Miller had planned on bringing Rich Amaral here for yesterday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, circling his name on the travel list, but trainer Richie Bancells recommended the utility player remain in Fort Lauderdale for another day of treatments on his sore back.

Amaral hasn't played since March 16 because of the condition, which flared up while taking ground balls.

Amaral said he has had periodic trouble with his back during his career, usually associated with spring training.

"He's supposed to be real close to doing some baseball things," Miller said. "He's had this in the past, but he's never done any preventative things. Richie's got him doing these programs and everything to head it off.

"I did play him quite a bit those three or four days before his back started bothering him."

Amaral was signed as a free agent after eight seasons in Seattle with the purpose of backing up all three outfield positions and some infield spots.

When healthy, he also gives the club a stolen-base threat off the bench.

"He's a very intricate part of this thing," Miller said.

Amaral has appeared in nine games, batting .250 (4-for-16) with two doubles and two stolen bases.

Reboulet gives heel a test

Testing his sore left heel after only one day's rest, Jeff Reboulet started at second base and played all seven innings in the Orioles' rain-shortened 7-2 loss to the Dodgers.

Reboulet continues to seek a reprieve from the tendinitis in the heel. He didn't wear a padded insert in his shoe yesterday, but continues to receive treatment and maintain a limited work schedule.

"It's a lot looser in this area, where it was getting all the inflammation and stuff," Reboulet said, running his finger along the center of his foot, "but it's still pretty sore down by the heel."

Miller had been giving Reboulet two days off between starts, so yesterday represented an important test. So could today, with Reboulet scheduled to make the trip to Port St. Lucie.

Reboulet, who drew three walks yesterday, is the club's first choice to replace Delino DeShields at second base on Opening Day, but he could go on the disabled list if still unable to play regularly.

"That's up to them. I really don't have much of a say in that," Reboulet said. "Personally, I've never been on the disabled list and I don't plan on going on it."

Reboulet had other concerns. He spent much of Thursday fighting a head cold, and still had difficulty breathing yesterday.

Pub Date: 3/27/99