BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Hansen May Become Regular

Dave Hansen might finally get his chance to be a regular third baseman with Juan Samuel placed on the 15-day disabled list after a second set of X-rays revealed non-displaced fractures in the ring and middle finger of his left hand.

Lenny Harris and Mike Sharperson will move to second base to replace Samuel, with Hansen getting at least a platoon role at third base.

Instead of recalling Dave Anderson from triple-A Albuquerque to replace Samuel as expected, the Dodgers will recall relief pitcher Kip Gross. He would remain with the team as the much-needed 11th pitcher until Jay Howell returns from the disabled list.

Hansen was hitting .131 in his seven starts before Wednesday with one home run and three runs batted in. “I have been willing to try to be a pinch-hitter, but I am just more comfortable playing every day.”

Samuel said he was as confused as anybody why his injury, suffered March 29, was not discovered until now even though he also had X-rays taken the first week of the season. He played 18 games with the broken fingers, batting .264 with eight runs batted in.

According to Dr. Ralph Gambardella, non-displaced fractures are sometimes missed in initial X-rays because there is no movement in the bone structure. Trainers say the injury has not gotten worse, and Samuel will miss one week of infield and two weeks of batting practice.

After missing a second consecutive start with a sore right knee, Kal Daniels will undergo X-rays today. Although Daniels often has soreness in his knees, which have been surgically repaired five times, the pain has been more acute than usual. If any bone-related problems are discovered, Daniels could be placed on the disabled list. . . . Jay Howell pitched well in his sixth rehabilitation start Wednesday, allowing one hit with two strikeouts in one inning for Class-A Bakersfield against San Bernardino. . . . Befitting his status as the team’s most experienced player, John Candelaria has placed a rocking chair in front of his locker. “That’s perfect for Gramps,” Eric Davis said.