BASEBALL: DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Webster Has an Illuminating Start

This time last year, Mitch Webster was breaking light bulbs. That is how frustrating it was for him to fight through a season-opening slump during which he had four hits in six weeks for the Cleveland Indians, going four-for-13 during that time.

This season, he is breaking opposing pitchers’ concentration. In his first three at-bats, he had two hits and two runs batted in, both in the ninth inning as a pinch-hitter.

“I was just a mess last year, this year is a lot more fun,” Webster said. “Last year it was bad knowing I would be traded somewhere, having that slump hanging over my head. . . . There were light bulbs in the runway in Cleveland Stadium, and I guess I took some of them out.”

Al Osuna won the latest installment of a running feud with Darryl Strawberry on Monday when Osuna, the Astro reliever, got him to hit a grounder that stranded two runners during the seventh inning. In seven encounters, Strawberry has two hits, including one home run, while Osuna has struck him out four times. . . . Jay Howell began his 30-day rehabilitation assignment for Class-A Vero Beach by throwing one perfect inning against West Palm Beach. He threw 12 pitches to three hitters, striking out one. . . . Kal Daniels sat out his second consecutive game, including batting practice, because of a sore right knee. He was examined by a local orthopedic specialist and said he hopes to return to the lineup Wednesday. . . . Juan Samuel did not take batting practice because of his sore hand, but was inserted as a pinch-hitter for a second consecutive game, and then remained in the field at second for the final two innings. Samuel is eight for 17 lifetime as a pinch-hitter.

Mike Scioscia will play against one of his biggest fans during this series--Astro rookie catcher Scott Servais. “I’ve never really talked about catching with Mike, but I would really like to,” Servais said. “In terms of working with a pitching staff, I think he’s the best in baseball.”