Dodgers Rained Out, Play 2 Games Tonight

Rain fell at a convenient time again Wednesday for the Dodgers, who otherwise would have had to play the San Diego Padres without three regulars. The rainout was the teams’ second straight.

Left fielder Kirk Gibson has a strained left hamstring, second baseman Steve Sax a sprained finger joint and center fielder John Shelby a strained stomach muscle. None of them would have been able to play either Tuesday or Wednesday nights. Weather permitting, the Dodgers and Padres will play a doubleheader this evening at Dodger Stadium, the first game starting at 4:05 p.m. Fernando Valenzuela and Orel Hershiser will pitch for the Dodgers, Jimmy Jones and Mark Grant for the Padres.

No date has been set to make up Tuesday night’s rainout, but it probably will be June 18.

“We have no guarantee that these (injured) guys will play tomorrow, or anytime soon, so I don’t know whether a rainout helps or hurts,” Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda said. “But we’ve got reserves who are good ballplayers and who can’t wait to play.”

Dave Anderson would have started in Sax’s place, and Danny Heep and Franklin Stubbs would have replaced Gibson and Shelby in the outfield.

Stubbs wasn’t happy when he looked out at a flooded field. Stubbs, a regular much of last season at first base, started in left field in Gibson’s place Monday night and had one hit and two walks.

“This is my role now; I’m trying to adjust to it,” Stubbs said. “I try not to think about (starting), just go out and do the best I can.”

Dodger Notes

The two straight rainouts have prevented the Padres from unveiling a new infield alignment. Second baseman Roberto Alomar, son of third base coach Sandy Alomar, was recalled and was expected to start at second base, and Randy Ready was to have replaced Chris Brown at third. Brown, hitting only .167 has been benched. Outfielder Stan Jefferson, hitting only .105, was optioned to Las Vegas of the Pacific Coast League.

Mariano Duncan, who hurt his left knee playing shortstop for the Dodgers’ triple-A team in Albuquerque, N.M., was examined again Wednesday in Los Angeles by Dr. Frank Jobe. Apparently, no cartilage damage was discovered. The Dodgers said Duncan has a sprained knee, and he returned to Albuquerque.

The Dodgers have had consecutive rainouts twice before--Sept. 11-12, 1976, against Atlanta and May 8-9, 1977, against Philadelphia. . . . The Dodgers said that tickets from either rained-out game can be exchanged for any game during the rest of the season. Gates will open at 2:30 for tonight’s doubleheader.