BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : Scioscia Doesn’t Want to Be Backup

After 13 years as the Dodgers’ stabilizing force behind home plate, it appears that Mike Scioscia is preparing to move.

Scioscia, a potential free agent, said he wants to remain in Los Angeles as the Dodger catcher, but only if he can be a regular.

Talk of making him a reserve and mentor to Mike Piazza might excite others, but not Scioscia.

“That is not an option for me,” Scioscia said earlier this week in Chicago. “I’m just 33. I’m not ready to catch 60 games a year yet. I still feel I can help a club by being out there, catching 120 games a year.”

Beset with a series of nagging injuries this season, from his ribs to his wrist, Scioscia is headed for a personal-low batting average--it was .224 as of Thursday--and has only two home runs and 19 runs batted in.

Fred Claire, Dodger vice president, sounded as if Scioscia’s future is uncertain.

“Mike is a free agent, so we will simply wait to make our evaluation,” Claire said. “I have great appreciation for what he has done, and all he has contributed, and I have said that all along.

“But as far as where we will be at the conclusion of the season . . . we have a lot of considerations to make with everybody.”

Scioscia, who might pursue a job with the San Francisco Giants if they move to Tampa Bay and Tom Lasorda is their general manager, feels he can return to his old self.

“I am finally feeling put-together,” he said. “I really feel with some adjustments, I can get back to where I was. It was just 11 months ago that I was doing well. That isn’t that long.”

He added, “There are a lot of clubs out there that need catchers, and I still feel I can help someone.”

Pedro Astacio was recalled from triple-A Albuquerque Thursday, 10 days after being sent down. Even though he pitched two shutouts in five major league starts earlier this season, he may be tested in the bullpen, where his future could be.