Piazza Sets a Smart Pace With Big Game in Return

Catcher Mike Piazza, back in the lineup Friday for the first time since he pulled his left hamstring last Sunday, planned to ease his way in slowly until he’s 100% fit.

“I’m gonna pace it a little bit,” said Piazza, who began the game with a .339 career average against the Phillies, including 12 home runs and 33 runs batted in. “I’m not going to do anything stupid--nothing I don’t usually do stupid.”

Piazza took it slowly only when he trotted around the bases at a leisurely pace after he laced a three-run home run to left in the third inning.

The home run, which drew a standing ovation from the crowd, more than made up for Piazza’s first at-bat, when he struck out on three pitches with runners on second and third in the first inning.

He later added two more singles and another run batted in.

Piazza’s absence was keenly felt by the Dodger offense, which produced only one run in each of the last two games of their three-game series against the New York Mets.

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Pitcher Ramon Martinez, on rehabilitation assignment with Class-A San Bernardino, will be limited to two innings and a maximum of 40 pitches when he starts against Bakersfield today. Manager Bill Russell said Pat Screnar, the team’s physical therapist, will monitor Martinez’s performance.

Martinez is scheduled to pitch again Wednesday, this time with pitching coach Dave Wallace on hand. After that outing, Martinez will be reevaluated. He has been on the disabled list since June 23, after tearing his right rotator cuff.

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Friday’s game was the 55th at home for the Dodgers, meaning the bulk of their remaining games will be played on the road. Russell has noted that, with some dread.

“You look at the month of August--we’re gone,” he said, referring to the schedule of 18 road games and 11 at home. “It’s tougher to play on the road than at home, but that’s how they scheduled it. If we play like we have been, a good second-half team, we’ll be OK, but that’s tough to do.”

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Shortstop Greg Gagne, who had been bothered by an eye infection, started for the first time since July 16 at Florida. . . . Outfielder Karim Garcia underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left (throwing) shoulder to repair a torn labrum Friday at Centinela Hospital. The procedure was performed by Frank Jobe. Garcia, who had been playing for triple-A Albuquerque, will be out for the rest of the season and won’t be able to play winter ball. . . . Raul Mondesi extended his hitting streak to 14 games, one short of his career best. His streak is also one short of the Dodgers’ best hitting streak this season, a 15-game streak by Gagne from June 26-July 15.