BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Candiotti to Work on Two Days’ Rest

For the first time in his career, Tom Candiotti will start a game with two days’ rest when he takes the mound tonight in the Dodgers’ final game of this 11-game trip.

“They had me come back on three days, now two days, I guess they are working me up to back-to-back outings,” Candiotti said.

“That’s one of the advantages of having a knuckeballer on your staff because you can throw a lot more innings and not put a lot of strain on your arm. “

With Ramon Martinez in Los Angeles serving a five-game suspension, Manager Tom Lasorda has no other option than to turn to Candiotti. Kevin Gross pitched Thursday, Orel Hershiser Friday and Pedro Astacio Saturday. And there isn’t a fresh arm in the bullpen, what with the 39 innings the team played in a little more than 28 hours.

Candiotti (3-5, but with a 3.07 ERA, sixth in the league) earned his sixth consecutive no-decision Thursday when he came out of the game after six innings for a pinch-hitter. Candiotti is 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA in his last eight starts.

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Before Roger McDowell gave up an earned run in the eighth inning Saturday, which put the Mets ahead, 7-5, he had not given up a run in his last seven appearances. He has a 4-0 record, two saves and an earned-run average of 1.42.

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Dodger Vice President Fred Claire sat with Met General Manager Joe McIlvaine during Saturday’s game. McIlvaine said they merely chatted a little bit. . . . McIlvaine said that he doubts that Anthony Young will be sent down to the minors. “I wouldn’t rule it out, but I doubt it,” he said. “He just needs to fight through this thing (a record 26-game losing streak).” . . . Eric Davis, describing this trip: “It’s the worst I have ever been on. The tragedy, everything about it. I feel like I am walking in a fog.” . . . Brett Butler came out of the game in the bottom of the fourth inning because of fatigue. He was replaced by Tom Goodwin.