Castro Fills In Quite Admirably

Juan Castro takes pride in being the Dodgers’ defensive specialist, and nothing pleases him more than making tough plays.

But suddenly there is more to Castro than his glove.

He has contributed offensively during the team’s current nine-game, 10-day road trip. And Castro has played well overall while filling in for injured second baseman Eric Young, which isn’t surprising to Manager Bill Russell.

“He’s been something out there,” Russell said. “We needed him to step up at second with E.Y. [Young] banged up a little, and he’s done that.

“We know what he can do in the field, because he’s a guy with a good glove. But he’s been swinging the bat better [this season], and that’s added a lot to our ballclub.”

Castro committed a fielding error--his third error in 23 games-- Sunday in the sixth inning of the Dodgers’ 8-5 loss, but he was otherwise typically steady in the series.

And he was three for 10, with two runs scored, after going hitless in three at-bats in the final game. Castro is batting .216 (eight for 37).

“I feel real good about what I’ve been doing,” he said. “I’m doing what Billy wants me to do, to be ready to fill in if someone isn’t feeling good.

“I’m helping my team a little bit, and that’s all I want to do.”

*

Relievers Dennis Reyes, Mark Guthrie and Scott Radinsky combined to pitch 5 2/3 innings after Park left in the third.

The team is carrying only five relievers, but Russell wasn’t concerned about overworking the bullpen. At least this time.

“They were all rested,” he said. “Radinsky hadn’t pitched in a while, so he needed a little work. But we obviously can’t have something like this happen too often.”

*

ON DECK

* Opponent--Houston Astros, three games.

* Site--Astrodome, Houston.

* Today--1 p.m. PDT.

* TV--ESPN today and Wednesday.

* Radio--AM 1150, KWKW (1330).

* Records--Dodgers 24-25, Astros 31-18.

* Record vs. Astros--3-1.

*

DODGERS’

HIDEO NOMO

(2-6, 4.55 ERA)

vs.

ASTROS’

JOSE LIMA

(6-2, 2.93 ERA)

*

* Update--The Dodgers are counting on a strong outing from Nomo after Park pitched only 2 1/3 innings in Sunday’s 8-5 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. “When you only have five guys in the bullpen like we do now, you can’t keep putting them in situations where they’re throwing a lot of innings in back-to-back games,” pitching coach Glenn Gregson said. “Our starters have to get us into the sixth, seventh and eighth innings right now.” Nomo lost his third consecutive start Wednesday, 5-0, against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The Astros, who are leading the National League Central Division, defeated the West-leading San Diego Padres twice in a three-game weekend series.

* Tuesday, 5 p.m.--Ismael Valdes (4-5, 4.60) vs. Shane Reynolds (4-3, 3.15).

* Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.--Darren Dreifort (2-4, 3.65) vs. Sean Bergman (4-2, 2.76).