BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Piazza’s Homer a Shot in the Arm?

The Dodgers hope the 460-foot homer Mike Piazza hit Sunday will be the start of something big for the second-year catcher. With the home run, Piazza still has only two hits in 25 at-bats so far and leaves town with a .080 average.

Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda says opposing pitchers are making life tough for the 1993 rookie of the year. “They know what he did last year,” Lasorda said after Sunday’s game, “and they’re not going to pitch him the way they did.”

Lasorda said Piazza is overeager at the plate, swinging at too many bad pitches. He said that not having Darryl Strawberry batting behind Piazza in the lineup also hurts. “The big thing is, the guy hitting behind (Piazza) has to get started too.”

That guy is Eric Karros, who is batting only .150.

Piazza blames no one but himself.

“I’m just not swinging the bat well,” he said. “A lot has been made about the way they pitch you. I’ve been pitched tough. I’m a little over anxious and they’re making good pitches. . . . It’s a little bit frustrating. I’m just going to swing the bat the best I can. I don’t have any excuses.”

*

Braves right fielder David Justice, who left Sunday’s game after fouling a pitch off his right foot in the fourth inning, is listed as day-to-day with an ankle sprain. Atlanta Manager Bobby Cox said Justice may miss a game or two.

*

After playing in an extended camp game in Florida today, Cory Snyder will return to Los Angeles and then join the Dodgers Wednesday in St. Louis. At that time, his roster status will be determine. Snyder was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 1 because of a sprained right knee. . . . Kevin Gross’ 11-strikeout performance Saturday marked the first time Dodger pitchers have struck out 10 batters or more in three consecutive games since 1962. That year, Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale and Johnny Podres accomplished the feat. Gross’ effort followed 10-plus strikeout outings by Ramon Martinez and Pedro Astacio.

The newest Dodger, Chris Gwynn, made his debut Sunday as a pinch-runner for Orel Hershiser in the sixth. Gwynn, a 29-year-old outfielder, was signed Saturday night. He played in 103 games for the Kansas City Royals last season, batting .300 with one home run and 25 RBIs. He played in 14 games for the Royals this spring before being released. A lifetime .276 hitter, Gwynn played for the Dodgers from 1987 through 1991. His best season in Los Angeles was 1990, when he batted .284 in 101 games, with five homers and 22 RBIs. . . . Left-hander Al Osuna has been designated for assignment. He is currently playing for triple-A Albuquerque.