Marshall Strains Leg Muscle; Severity of Injury Uncertain

Dodger right fielder Mike Marshall, who had avoided injury this season for the first time in his career, strained a quadriceps muscle in his right leg in the first inning of Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The injury occurred as Marshall was running toward home to score the Dodgers’ third run on Franklin Stubbs’ double. Marshall pulled up lame, hobbled to the plate and was assisted down the steps to the dugout by Manager Tom Lasorda. He was replaced in the lineup by Mike Davis.

Neither Marshall nor Dodger trainers would discuss the severity of the injury nor the length of time Marshall might miss. He has played in all but 4 of the Dodgers’ 130 games after playing in just 104 last season and 103 in 1986.

“I don’t think this is going to keep me out the rest of the season or anything,” Marshall said. “I’m looking at it positive, that I’ll be back soon. . . . It’s nothing nearly as serious as the hamstring, so hopefully it won’t be too long. Maybe I can have an injection, and that will get me back quicker. We’ll have to wait until (today) to see. I was just halfway between third and home when I just pulled the muscle.”

Lasorda said if Marshall is out of the lineup for an extended period, Davis will play right field against right-handed pitchers. Mickey Hatcher probably will play against left-handers.

“It’d be tough to lose him,” Lasorda said. “But I know Moose (Marshall) won’t be out long.”