BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Benzinger, Hernandez Getting Chances

While the much of the clubhouse talk Wednesday surrounded Todd Benzinger, who formally became the everyday starting first baseman by remaining in the lineup against Chicago Cub left-hander Danny Jackson, an even more important development was that catcher Carlos Hernandez also started.

Hernandez started only four games in April, but he has already started five games this month, including Tom Candiotti’s last two starts.

Tom Lasorda has gained enough confidence of him to use him against left-handers, and the pitching staff is sharing that confidence.

“He has been great, I have no problem pitching to him at all,” said Candiotti, who credited Hernandez for helping him pitch his first complete-game shutout in two years last Saturday. “He is so darn mobile back there, and he knows how to set up hitters. When (Mike) Scioscia doesn’t play, we know we are in capable hands.”

Hernandez had four hits in 12 at-bats before Wednesday, and threw out one of the last two runners who attempted to steal. He also had a pickoff.

“My main thing is defense, that is where a backup catcher must help,” Hernandez said.

Mitch Webster had a cortisone injection his right hip, but said he was ready to play. Although Webster has been the Dodgers’ most exciting player in recent days, he was not complaining that Kal Daniels’ return has sidelined him again. “I’ve learned to do what’s best for the team,” said Webster, who leads the team with a .558 slugging percentage. “If I let it upset me, it won’t do anybody any good.”

Eric Karros did not seem surprised when he was supplanted in the lineup by Benzinger, even though Karros was hitting .255 against left-handers with a team-leading three home runs. “Todd is the hottest hitter on the team; we have won three out of four games with him in the lineup. I’m sure they are going with the hot hand,” Karros said. “All I can do is keep working hard.” Benzinger was hitting .455 in the previous three games.