Spring Training / Dodgers : Castillo Makes Strong Bid for Job With Former Club

After Bobby Castillo had pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth inning to run his string of scoreless innings to 9 Tuesday afternoon, Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda was asked if Castillo had a job. Lasorda almost exploded.

“Does he have a job? He’s pitched sensational,” Lasorda said after the Dodgers’ 3-1 exhibition win, their sixth straight of the spring.

Castillo, a right-handed screwballer who didn’t pitch until July last season because of a rotator cuff problem, figures you can count him on the staff when the season starts.

“I don’t see why you can’t,” said the one-time Dodger who went to Minnesota for three seasons before returning as a free agent. “I’m throwing the ball great.”

Certainly Castillo’s standing has improved since he reported to camp and was chided for being overweight by Dodger Vice President Al Campanis.

“I was a lot younger the first time I was here (1977-81),” said Castillo, who will be 30 next month. “And I’ve put on a little weight.”

Castillo said he weighs about 180 and Campanis wants him down to 170-175.

Bob Welch started Tuesday and worked four scoreless innings, allowing just two hits. His most impressive inning was the second, when he got both Fred Lynn and Mike Young on called third strikes.

The Dodgers had eight hits and stole five bases, making life miserable for Oriole catcher Rick Dempsey, whose throwing was noticeably subpar. Al Oliver and Steve Sax extended their hitting streaks to eight and seven games, respectively, with two hits apiece. Sax also stole two bases, and Oliver drove in a run.

Dodger Notes Greg Brock sat out the game with a sore elbow, which he injured making an awkward throw to second on Sunday. . . . Mike Marshall, who had missed three games with the stomach flu, started in right field. Rookie Ralph Bryant made his first start, in left, and had one hit in three trips. . . . Ken Landreaux, batting .148 (4 for 27) so far, did not make the trip. “I gave him the day off,” Manager Tom Lasorda said. . . . The Orioles scored their only run on a disputed balk by Larry White, who otherwise pitched impressively, giving up just one hit in three innings. . . . The Dodgers will play the Cincinnati Reds today at Holman Stadium. Orel Hershiser will get the start.