Claire Becomes Ill, Leaves Game

Dodger executive vice-president Fred Claire became ill during the middle of Sunday night’s game. According to team publicist Derrick Hall, Claire left the ballpark assisted by team physician Frank Jobe and paramedics. It is believed that Claire, 62, was taken to a nearby hospital as a precautionary measure.

There was no word on the nature of Claire’s illness.

“He’s not having a heart attack,” Hall said, downplaying the situation. “It’s not serious.”

Rumors of a heart attack had circulated after Claire left Dodger Stadium.

*

Chan Ho Park, who has been suffering because of a strained lower back, made two visits to an acupuncturist this past week, but won’t require further treatment.

“He said I was ready to pitch,” Park said.

Although he struggled in Sunday night’s game, Park wouldn’t blame the back problems, saying all he has now is a little soreness.

Park’s outside treatment didn’t bother trainer Charlie Strasser.

“[Park] asked me if it was OK,” Strasser said, “and I said, ‘Sure.’ I’m not close-minded about that. If he believes in it, that’s all I need. I’ve had players use acupuncture before.”

Pitching coach Glenn Gregson thinks Park’s problems Sunday night may have been more mental than physical.

“I don’t think his back was a problem” Gregson said. “But I think that he thought, if he really turned loose [with his pitches], it would affect the back. From a mental standpoint, I think he was reluctant to let go.”

Tonight’s Game

DODGERS’ HIDEO NOMO (0-1, 5.00 ERA)

vs.

ASTROS’ JOSE LIMA (2-0, 2.63 ERA)

Dodger Stadium, 5 p.m.

Radio--AM 1150. KWKW (1330)

* Update--For Nomo, it was a struggle that began in the second half of last season. Batters, once seemingly mesmerized by his convoluted windup, hit Nomo often enough to push his season earned-run average above 4.00 for the first time to 4.25. His problems were blamed on everything from a breakdown in mechanics to a line drive that injured his pitching elbow in July. Nomo hoped he took care of the elbow problem with off-season arthroscopic surgery, and has worked on his delivery. But entering his third start this season, his struggles continue. Lima is making his third start of the season after getting only one start in his 52 appearances for the Astros last year.