BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : Castro Impresses With Play at Shortstop

Juan Castro was hoping to stick around but did he envision becoming the starting shortstop, starting the Dodgers’ first triple play in 47 years, and playing so well that he might replace Greg Gagne if Gagne does not return next season?

“I knew I could do the job, but I didn’t know if I could get the chance,” said Castro, who hit the first two triples of his career in the doubleheader split with the Chicago Cubs.

“Even when [Gagne] comes back, this will help because now I have the confidence that I can play in the big leagues.”

Castro, who began playing when Gagne was sidelined because of a severely sprained ankle, realizes that today’s game could be his last as the everyday shortstop. Gagne, on rehabilitative assignment at triple-A Albuquerque, is expected to rejoin the team Thursday.

“I think he’s done a tremendous job,” said Fred Claire, executive vice president. “He’s made all of the plays, and he’s done this in a very relaxed, confident manner.”

Castro has made only two errors, is batting .222, and the Dodgers have gone 16-12 and moved into first place since he has been playing.

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Right fielder Raul Mondesi, who has led the league in assists each of the last two seasons, has only two this season.

Manager Tom Lasorda, teasing Mondesi about that, pointed at the cannon tattoo on Mondesi’s shoulder, saying he should replace it with a slingshot.

The truth is, hardly anyone is trying to take the extra base on Mondesi.

“It’s funny, no?” Mondesi said. “I can’t believe it sometimes. I say, ‘Please, go. Give it a try.’ But no one wants to run on me.”

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Ramon Martinez recorded the 1,000th strikeout of his career in the fourth inning of the first game. He is only the ninth Los Angeles Dodger pitcher to accomplish the feat.

“It means a lot to me,” Martinez said. “The only thing is, I didn’t know that was my 1,000th strikeout, so I didn’t keep the ball.”

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Pitcher Ismael Valdes, who spent the last few days at his sister’s wedding in Mexico, said his travel was not a factor in his outing. He gave up nine hits and seven runs--six earned--in 5 2/3 innings.

The Dodgers weren’t so sure that was the case.

“Let’s just say he’s young and he’ll learn from this,” said pitching coach Dave Wallace.