Dodgers at a Loss Minus Lasorda

Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda, who for years has disregarded the advice of doctors and pleas from his wife to slow down, was hospitalized because of an ulcer, forcing him to miss the eighth game of his 20-year managerial career.

Lasorda, 68, complaining of severe stomach pain Sunday night, was hospitalized Monday at Centinela Hospital. Preliminary tests revealed an ulcer, according to his wife, Jo Lasorda.

“They’ll keep him in there today to run more tests,” Jo Lasorda said, “but that’s what they told us. Thank God it wasn’t something worse. Hopefully now, I can get him to eat right.”

The players were told in a meeting conducted by Fred Claire, executive vice president, not to expect Lasorda to return until at least Thursday when the team opens a four-game series against the Colorado Rockies in Denver.

Jo Lasorda said that she expects her husband to be released today, but she did not know whether he’ll make the trip to Denver.

“Dr. [Michael] Mellman told us to take this day by day,” Jo Lasorda said. “We’re not going to push him.”

Coach Bill Russell managed Tuesday night during a 2-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs.

Lasorda phoned Mellman about his pain Sunday night and scheduled a 10 a.m. appointment Monday. It was then decided that Lasorda be hospitalized to determine what was causing his pain.

“He’s doing well, he’s comfortable,” said Mellman, the Dodgers’ team physician. “The pain has improved dramatically.”

Lasorda, who takes anti-inflammatory medication for his arthritic knees, had complained occasionally about stomach cramps. This time was more severe than others. He attended the Cedars Sinai Sports Spectacular charity dinner Sunday night at the Century Plaza, and during dinner, Jo Lasorda said, he expressed discomfort.

Perhaps, if nothing else, Jo Lasorda said, this might prompt Lasorda to slow down. He usually is at the ballpark by 2 p.m. each day, often pitches batting practice, and eats heavy dinners after games.

He was advised last year to have surgery to replace each of his arthritic knees during the winter, but declined, saying he didn’t have time. He instead decided to postpone surgery until this winter, despite the chronic aches and pains.

Lasorda missed five games in 1979--two when his son had surgery, three when his mother died--and two in 1991 when his son died.

“Whatever his age is is irrelevant,” Karros said. “He’s always on the go. He never sleeps. He’s about the last one I’d expect anything to happen to.

“We understand he’s doing better. That’s a good sign. Maybe it will do him good to have a day or two of rest.

“It’s going to be strange not to have anyone screaming at us on the bench, so we’ll miss that. I guarantee you whoever is in his hospital room tonight will get an earful.”

While the Dodgers tried to keep the mood light Tuesday, they have learned this season not to take anything for granted. Their fears will be eased only when the final tests are completed.

They only had to look toward Brett Butler’s empty locker to be reminded that no pain or illness can ever be taken lightly.

“I think that’s what we all remember,” third baseman Mike Blowers said. “We thought that Brett just needed to get his tonsils taken out, and the next thing we hear is that he’s got cancer. Any time somebody gets checked into the hospital, you’ve got concerns.

“It’s like Brett, you’ve got to wait and see what happens.”

The Dodger players knew something was wrong when they arrived at Dodger Stadium and Lasorda’s office door was locked. The coaching staff was in Claire’s office, being apprised of the situation. None of the coaches knew he was hospitalized.

“When Billy [Russell] told me Tommy was in the hospital,” coach Joey Amalfitano said, “I got real quiet. The unknown scares a lot of people. It scares the hell out of me.”

Claire said that Lasorda was in good spirits when he talked with him during the afternoon. He even wanted Claire to remind Russell that he better manage well, because every win and loss will go on Lasorda’s record.

“Your immediate reaction is concern when somebody has to be hospitalized,” Claire said. “He’s in good hands and a lot of care. I just hope he can return as soon as possible.”

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Staff writer Eric Shepard contributed to this story.