Astros Move Closer to Dodgers, 5-2 : Lasorda Grants Marshall’s Request to Move to Right Field

In a request that would lessen the strain on his chronic back condition and perhaps revitalize the Dodger lineup, Mike Marshall on Tuesday night was granted his release from first base and a return to right field, where he played for five seasons before this spring’s relocation.

That move, which ultimately might lead to injured slugger Pedro Guerrero’s return to first base, did not immediately help the Dodgers against the Houston Astros, who moved within a half game of the first-place Dodgers in the National League West with a 5-2 win before 25,509 fans at Dodger Stadium.

It was the Astros’ second straight win over the Dodgers in an important early series between the top teams in the West. This time, Astro right-hander Danny Darwin struck out a season-high 8 and gave up single runs in the first and sixth to earn his first win in nearly a month. Meanwhile, Dodger starter Tim Belcher gave up 5 runs--2 earned--in 2 innings and did not receive much help from his defense. There was a positive note for the Dodgers--relievers Brian Holton, Alejandro Pena and Tim Crews combined for 6 innings of shutout pitching.

Contributing to the Dodger downfall during Belcher’s term was Danny Heep, filling in at first base after Marshall’s relocation and in Guerrero’s absence. Heep made one error and several non-plays, while third baseman Jeff Hamilton made a crucial throwing error.

It seems, though, that the Dodgers were looking beyond just one night with the Marshall move. When Guerrero eventually returns to the lineup from what might be a severe pinched nerve, he most likely will be at first base. Defensive specialist Hamilton could be at third base, and struggling Mike Davis may be on the bench.

Davis met with Manager Tom Lasorda before the game and did not take news of Marshall’s move well.

“I didn’t like it,” said Davis, whose average is .204. “ . . . I told him that I still have confidence in myself. I’ll be there in the heat of battle.”

Unfortunately for the Dodgers (30-23), Guerrero has not. He has missed both games against the Astros (30-24), and the Dodgers’ offense has felt his loss.

Center fielder John Shelby, however, remains hot. Shelby singled in the sixth, extending his hitting streak to 22 games, and later scored on Hamilton’s single.

The night had begun promisingly for the Dodgers. They took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. Steve Sax led off with a single, went to third on Heep’s single and scored on Kirk Gibson’s ground-ball force play.

Marshall, breaking out of his slump, then doubled to right to put runners on second and third. But Darwin got Shelby to strike out and Mike Scioscia to ground out.

And Houston responded in the top of the second. A single by Bill Doran and Alan Ashby’s double put runners in scoring position. Heep then made a fielding error on Kevin Bass’ grounder, allowing Doran to score the tying run. Rafael Ramirez’s line-drive single to right scored Ashby, but Marshall threw out Bass at third on a close play in which it appeared Bass beat the tag.

Belcher, who has not won since May 15, was hit hard again in the third. This time the Astro rally began when Hamilton’s throw pulled Heep off the bag. A walk and a strikeout later, Doran singled under Heep’s glove to increase the Astros’ lead to 3-1. Ashby’s hard-hit single, also bounced under Heep’s glove and into right field, making it, 4-1. And, finally, Bass’ single to right scored Doran for a 5-1 Astro advantage.

Brian Holton, Belcher’s replacement, worked out of the remainder of the third-inning jam. And, with Gerald Young on second in the fourth inning, Heep successfully fielded a grounder and tagged first base, drawing sarcastic cheers from the fans at Dodger Stadium.

In a sardonic response to the crowd, Heep--who hasn’t even worked out much at first base this season--doffed his cap and raised his glove.

Darwin, meanwhile, retired 11 straight Dodgers after the first-inning run. His string was broken in the fifth when the Dodgers had the bases loaded with two out. But Gibson lined a 2-and-2 pitch back to Darwin. The ball popped out of his glove, but Darwin caught it in the air with his right hand.

As for the effect of the Marshall move, Lasorda is believed to be leaning toward Guerrero playing first base, which is where Guerrero reportedly wanted to play at the outset of spring training.

“There’s that possibility,” said a smiling Lasorda before the game.

Marshall, who has missed much of the last two seasons because of back strain, said he had felt some discomfort which got him thinking about moving to a less aggressive position than first base.

“I had first talked to Tommy awhile back,” said Marshall, who was hitting .240 before Tuesday’s game. “Although things have worked out at first base, it’s been a struggle because of my back. Playing there every day takes its toll.

“That’s Tommy’s decision,” added Marshall, referring to where he and Guerrero play. “I just wanted to let him know how I was feeling. I also didn’t feel I was getting the most out of myself offensively. But I don’t know what the future holds.”

Dodger Notes

The Dodgers are not certain how long Pedro Guerrero will be out with a pinched nerve in his neck, a condition trainer Bill Buhler described as arthritic. Could Guerrero be out as long as two weeks? “There’s always that possibility, but we don’t know now,” Buhler said. “He’s listed day-to-day.” Guerrero was examined by Dr. Robert Watkins Tuesday and underwent treatment. He was not at Tuesday night’s game. . . . Mike Marshall is not receiving special treatment for his back, according the Buhler, though Marshall says the strain on his back was his primary reason for requesting the shift to right field. “He does his back exercises, but I’m sure occasionally he has problems. Playing in the infield, you’re more aggressive than if you play in the outfield,” the trainer said. Marshall had made only 2 errors in 50 starts at first base, successfully making the transition from the outfield. “I realize I’ve played well at first base, but it was a decision I thought about and had to let Fred (Claire, the executive vice president) and Tommy (Lasorda) know about.”

Shortstop Alfredo Griffin, out with a broken bone in his right hand, will be examined again today by Dr. Charles Ashworth. Griffin, who still is about three weeks away from returning, might be fitted with a hard cast if swelling has subsided. . . . The Dodger pitching staff, which has been roughed up lately, held a closed-door meeting with Lasorda and pitching coach Ron Perranoski before Tuesday’s game. . . . The Dodgers’ Fernando Valenzuela (3-5) opposes Mike Scott (6-1) tonight at 7:35.

Don Sutton, who left Dodger Stadium without talking to reporters after Monday night’s no-decision, said Tuesday he agreed with Lasorda’s decision to remove him after he gave up only 3 hits and 1 run in 6 innings. “It was a decision by committee that made perfect sense,” Sutton said. “I reached a stage in my pitches that, if I had given up a base hit, they would have brought in (Alejandro Pena) then. So, why not get him in there at the start of the inning instead of having him pitch out of a jam? Tommy, Perry (Perranoski) and I were in total agreement.”