Lasorda Passes Tests, Could Return Soon

Manager Tom Lasorda said that he successfully passed a series of stress tests Friday and, after another consultation Monday with doctors, is hopeful that he can return to his job.

“Everything looks great,” Lasorda said. “The heart is pumping beautifully and the ulcer is gone. I couldn’t ask for anything better.

“I’m ready to go. I’m very optimistic I’ll be back.”

Could he be back by the end of the home stand that ends Wednesday?

“Sure, why not?” Lasorda said. “I feel great.”

Lasorda, who has been sidelined since June 24, twice has had discussions with Dodger President Peter O’Malley and Fred Claire, executive vice president, but no timetable has been set for his return. He expects to meet with them again Monday.

“Hey, it’s just like a player who pulls a muscle,” said Lasorda, who lost 17 pounds and now weighs 197. “It takes time to heal. But I rode the bike for 20 minutes, went on the treadmill for 15 minutes, and they hooked me on a machine for 10 minutes. Dr. [Anthony] Reid was really pleased.

“I just need to get back on the field, staying home and watching this on TV is killing me.”

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Reliever Mark Guthrie and shortstop Greg Gagne, former teammates of Minnesota Twin star Kirby Puckett, said the game will sorely miss his presence.

“The game will go on,” Guthrie said, “but the game isn’t going to be as good without him. He was by far the best professional I’ve ever seen in the game. Nobody was even close.

“The media sometimes [unjustly] portrays a guy as a down-to-earth guy, but he was truly that. He wanted everybody to respect the game like he did, and he’d even holler at guys on the other team if they didn’t run out balls. He taught people how to respect the game.

Said Gagne: “Everybody loved the guy and everybody respected the guy. I’m sure in some way he’ll always be associated with baseball in Minnesota.”

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Mike Sciosica, roving catcher instructor, said he will manage in the instructional league this fall but has no plans to manage in winter ball. . . . The Dodgers honored retired trainer Bill Buhler before the game for his 44 years in the organization.