BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : After Opener, He Has Hall of a Time

Manager Tom Lasorda honored relief pitcher Darren Hall by presenting him the lineup card Monday night after his impressive National League debut.

And Fred Claire, executive vice president, said the acquisition of Hall could make the Dodger bullpen the strongest in years.

Teammates marvel over Hall’s ability, saying he could be the key to their pennant hopes.

Hall, who has emerged as the Dodgers’ top setup man for closer Todd Worrell, quickly is gaining respect from everyone. But there is one problem. His name is very much like that of the club’s assistant media relations director, Derrick Hall.

In two days, the pitcher has taken messages from TV stations, radio stations, newspapers, team officials, and Derrick Hall’s wife.

“I got [a call] this morning from a radio station wanting to do an interview with Tommy [Lasorda],” Hall said. “I just got here, and I’ve already gotten six wrong calls and been brought the wrong luggage.”

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Reliever Scott Radinsky threw 30 pitches during batting practice without aggravating the tendinitis in the middle finger of his pitching hand and will begin a rehabilitative assignment at Class A San Bernardino later this week. He is scheduled to rejoin the team April 12. The Dodgers then will have to decide whether to trade or option one of their other left-handed relievers, Joey Eischen or John Cummings.