BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Candelaria Plays His Usual Role

John Candelaria celebrated the guaranteeing of his $1.25 million contract Tuesday by extracting the Dodgers from a bases-loaded situation in the seventh inning of a 4-2 victory over the Houston Astros.

True to Candelaria’s style and role, he faced one hitter, Casey Candaele, who grounded out. Candelaria then departed the game.

“I would imagine this is how it will be during the regular season--except it will be a left-handed hitter like Will Clark or David Justice or Tony Gwynn or Fred McGriff,” said Candelaria, 38. “My style will be like it always is. ‘Here is the ball. Try and hit. Let’s go.’ ”

The Dodgers and Candelaria are hoping that his workload--a personal-high 59 games--will decrease with the addition of left-hander Steve Wilson.

Although Candelaria pitched only 33 2/3 innings, he warmed up often because he was the only left-hander in the bullpen.

The strain on his shoulder surfaced in the second half of the season, when batters hit .364 against him after hitting only .162 in the first half.

“Yeah, I got tired at the end of the year,” he said. “I think Steve will help me out, and I will help him out.”

Candelaria, in his 17th major league season, said he would like to play through 1993 before retiring.

“But right now, I just want to get through April 1,” he said.

As expected, all of the Dodger veterans with non-guaranteed contracts passed Tuesday’s deadline without being released, meaning their money is now guaranteed. This included pitcher Jim Gott, the only one who was worried.

“It shouldn’t surprise anyone,” said Fred Claire, Dodger vice president. “But if the season is over and we have used fewer than 15 pitchers, I’ll be surprised.”

Considering triple-A Albuquerque will have more prospects than in recent years, Claire indicated that the Dodgers could have many in-season roster changes.

Among those who could be recalled without a second thought are pitchers Pedro Martinez and Kip Gross, first baseman Eric Karros, third baseman Jeff Hamilton, infielder Dave Anderson and catcher Don Wakamatsu.

Kevin Gross finished his outstanding Florida spring by becoming the first Dodgers pitcher to work into the seventh inning Tuesday, giving up one run in 6 2/3 innings to improve to 4-1 with a 1.88 earned-run average. If the Dodgers formed their rotation strictly by spring training statistics, Gross would have been the opening-day starter. . . . Todd Benzinger, suffering from a sore left calf, is increasing his running and says there is still “no doubt” he will be ready for opening day. Benzinger has not appeared in a game since March 18. . . . Kal Daniels was rested Tuesday because of a sore back. Juan Samuel was rested because of a sore left hand. Neither injury is considered serious. . . . While discussing old-time brawls, Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda said, “Players make so much money today, they use designated fighters.”