BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Gwynn May Become Murray’s Backup

Because the Dodgers are as worried about Eddie Murray as everyone else, Chris Gwynn has started taking ground balls at first base. If Gwynn can learn the position, this would give the Dodgers a suitable backup for Murray against right-handed pitching.

Lenny Harris had prepared to fill that role during spring training, but he will be playing third base against right-handers.

“It’s not that Stan Javier or Mike Sharperson aren’t doing the job, it’s just that they want to have more options over there,” Gwynn said. “If it will get me more playing time, that’s fine with me.”

Gwynn said he has not played first base since high school, but feels he could be ready soon.

Darryl Strawberry’s impact on the Dodger clubhouse is proving to be wide-ranging.

Tim Belcher, who dressed next to Strawberry, moved his locker to the other side of the room after he had difficulty dressing Friday because of the media around Strawberry’s locker.

“It’s probably going to be crowded like that all year, and I need to get to my locker,” Belcher said. “And what happens when he is the batting hero and I am the winning pitcher? How crazy would it be over there then?”

Now there is an empty locker next to Strawberry. Barry Lyons dresses next to that empty locker, but he said he doesn’t mind having only one space between him and Strawberry.

“Hey, when I was in New York, I dressed next to Dwight Gooden,” Lyons said. “I can handle crowds.”

Not every Dodger enjoyed the festivities before their home opener Friday. Lyons said one of the pigeons that was set free after the national anthem laid a dropping on his uniform that forced him to rush to the clubhouse to change his shirt.

“It happened right after I put my hat back on, so maybe the bird was attracted to my shiny head,” said Lyons, who is balding. “But I know I was the only player standing on that third-base line that got it.

“Joe (Amalfitano, coach) said it was good luck when that happens. I guess only time will tell.”