BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Pedro Martinez Might Get Start in Doubleheader

Although he is on the seven-day minor league disabled list because of a sore shoulder, Pedro Martinez has a good chance of making his major league debut because of the four doubleheaders during the next home stand.

Martinez, younger brother of Ramon, underwent an MRI exam Tuesday in Los Angeles, but Dr. Frank Jobe said he thinks Pedro will sit out only one start because of the soreness.

“It’s really not that big of a deal,” said Bill Russell, manager at triple-A Albuquerque. “He had a little stiffness and went back to get it checked. It was more just to clear his mind than anything. As far as I know, he is fine.”

After giving up three runs to Tucson in six innings with eight strikeouts Friday, Martinez (6-4) lowered his earned-run average to 3.72 with 90 strikeouts in 94 1/3 innings.

The other leading candidates to be recalled from July 3-8 are Pedro Astacio and Kip Gross.

Astacio, a right-hander who was recently moved back into the Albuquerque rotation, is 4-4 with a 4.89 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 53 1/3 innings.

Gross, a right-hander who made two relief appearances for the Dodgers earlier this year, has a 3.67 ERA and six saves.

Only Martinez is ensured of starting; the other two could come up to pitch in the bullpen if Steve Wilson or Tim Crews starts.

The Dodgers could use all three pitchers by sending down or releasing only one position player, and then rotating the players in his spot.

“We could be sending guys down and bringing guys up in the middle of doubleheaders,” a Dodger official said.

Mike Scioscia learned he is suffering from bruised ribs after X-rays showed no break. He sat out Tuesday’s game and hopes to return to the lineup in a few days. Scioscia, who was involved in a home plate collision with Luis Gonzalez of the Houston Astros on Saturday, said he could not swing a bat and was having difficulty breathing. Carlos Hernandez, who has thrown out seven of 19 runners attempting to steal, will become the starter. . . . The Chicago Cubs appear to be the leading contender for Kal Daniels’ services if the Dodgers can’t work a deal and he becomes a free agent next week. The Cubs need a left fielder, and have privately said they would take Daniels, who wants to continue playing the outfield.