Guerrero Returned to Disabled List

Like a child giving up on a broken toy, the Dodgers placed Pedro Guerrero back on the shelf Sunday, aborting a comeback that lasted just 11 days, seven hitless at-bats, and one horrific appearance in the outfield.

Guerrero, who made his only start of 1986 on Aug. 4, four months to the day after he underwent surgery on his left leg, was placed on the 15-day disabled list. His place on the roster was taken by Jose Gonzalez, a 21-year-old rookie outfielder, who will rejoin the team from the Dodgers’ Albuquerque farm team in time for tonight’s game at Houston.

The Dodgers, whose avowed strategy this season was to stay in contention until Guerrero’s return, are all but conceding that they will have to try to win without their 30-year-old slugger, although Manager Tom Lasorda would not rule out another comeback attempt before the season ends.

“Anything he can do this season, if he can play, is going to be a plus,” Lasorda said. “Right now, he can’t run at all. And when your leg is bothering you, it can restrict your swing.”

The decision to place Guerrero on the disabled list, Lasorda said, was made after Saturday’s 6-2 loss to Cincinnati, in which Guerrero popped out with the bases loaded.

Even before the game, Lasorda said, he had talked to Guerrero and team trainers, and planned to recommend to Dodger Vice President Al Campanis that Guerrero return to the DL.

Guerrero, who ruptured the patellar tendon in his left leg in a sliding accident on the last day of spring training in Vero Beach, Fla., told reporters he couldn’t continue to play.

“What kind of help do you get from one at-bat?” said Guerrero, who has been limited to pinch-hitting duty after he proved in his only start that he was incapable of playing the outfield.

“I’m not helping the team and I’m not helping myself. . . . They should do it (put him on the DL) for just 15-20 days and see where it is then.”

Guerrero’s teammates were not surprised by the decision.

“I could have said that after the first game he started,” Bill Madlock said. “He’d been working real hard, but even after an effort like that he couldn’t run out there.

“One thing about it, Pete worked real hard. It might not be this year, but he’ll be back.”

Dodger shortstop Mariano Duncan, who comes from Guerrero’s hometown of San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic and has lived with Guerrero and his wife, Denise, agreed with the decision.

“He’s not ready,” Duncan said. “I think it’s good for Pete to take his time before he comes back.”