BASEBALL : DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Reliever Hartley Finds Himself in a Tough Spot

Mike Hartley is facing a dilemma typical of struggling relief pitchers.

He knows he needs to expand his repertoire of a fastball and split-finger fastball--two pitches that have not been fooling anybody. But he can’t afford to test a curveball or slider in games where every pitch is important.

Yet Hartley needs to do something, because he has allowed eight runs in his last 6 2/3 innings, raising his earned-run average to 4.00 while reducing him to the 10th or 11th pitcher on an 11-man staff.

“I’d like to work on my other pitches, but it’s so important to do well, I don’t want to get beat with my third-best pitch,” he said.

Hartley was outstanding early in the season, when he allowed earned runs in only one of his 12 appearances and appeared to be in a position to become the team’s stopper when Jay Howell struggled. Now, he simply wants to become more than a mop-up man.

“I like to pitch when the game is on the line, I’ve always pitched during those times, but other guys are ahead of me here now,” Hartley said. “But that is no excuse. I’ve got to do well when it is my turn, and try to get back into a role I’m more comfortable with.”

Catcher Mike Scioscia missed Wednesday’s game due to swelling in his left hand, which was hit by a foul ball on the first pitch Tuesday.

Scioscia was replaced by Gary Carter.

“The X-rays showed no structural damage, so we’re hoping he’ll just be out a couple of days,” Dr. Frank Jobe said.