Park, Williams Will Get Chance to Become Better Acquainted

Although the Dodgers lost a game to a rare home rainout, none of their pitchers will lose a start.

Each pitcher’s outing will be pushed back a day, so Sunday’s scheduled starter, Chan Ho Park, will pitch today. That sets up a rematch between Park and Arizona cleanup batter Matt Williams, who took exception to a pitch Park threw behind him in the sixth inning Tuesday and moved toward the mound, setting off a bench-clearing shoving match.

Manager Davey Johnson said a rematch was the furthest thing from his mind. “It’s not even worth thinking about,” he said.

Center fielder Devon White said the Dodgers will focus on victories, not knockdowns. “We’re going there to win ballgames,” he said. “If something happens, it happens. We can’t worry about it. The bottom line is winning ballgames.”

*

Johnson has made a point of praising shortstop Mark Grudzielanek, who appreciates the support while he tries to get on track offensively. He is batting .235, with four hits--all singles--in 17 at-bats.

“He’s getting a feel for everybody, and what everybody wants to do and what their roles are, and everybody is still getting a feel for him,” Grudzielanek said. “I think he’s done a good job.”

Grudzielanek is eager to improve his offensive showing, although Johnson emphasized he’s pleased with the shortstop’s steady defensive play.

“I haven’t really had much luck,” Grudzielanek said, “but I’ve been swinging the bat well. I don’t have much to show for it, but I think that’s just a matter of time and it will come. Defensively I’m getting it in drive.

“Things could have been better, but I can’t complain--and we’re still winning too. That’s the big thing.”

*

Right-hander Antonio Osuna, who is on the 15-day disabled list because of soreness in his right elbow, pitched one inning for Class-A San Bernardino on Saturday and felt no discomfort. He gave up one run and four hits. Osuna said he was encouraged by his outing and plans to throw two innings today and two more on Wednesday, if all continues to go well. “I felt very strong [Saturday]. I threw all my pitches--my breaking ball and changeup,” he said. “The first game at home, I feel bad because I want to start with the team. But now the team is winning. The chance for me will be there.”

*

The 19 home runs hit by the Dodgers and their opponents over the first six games at Dodger Stadium averages to 3.2 a game. That’s a dramatic increase over last season’s 1.8 average. . . . Kevin Brown, who was removed from Saturday’s game after feeling some stiffness in his back, felt some improvement Sunday, according to Johnson.

ON DECK

* Opponent--Arizona Diamondbacks.

* Site--Bank One Ballpark.

* Tonight--7

* TV--Fox Sports West 2 tonight, Tuesday and Thursday.

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

* Records--Dodgers 5-1, Diamondbacks 1-5

* Record vs. Diamondbacks--3-0.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ CHAN HO PARK (0-0, 2.57 ERA) vs. DIAMONDBACKS’ ANDY BENES (0-1, 9.64 ERA)

* Update--Thanks to Sunday’s rainout, Park got an extra day to prepare for a rematch with the Diamondbacks. He faced them last Tuesday and gave up two runs and four hits and struck out seven in seven innings. However, he didn’t get the decision when the Dodgers rallied for a 3-2 victory in 10 innings. Benes gets the honor of starting the Diamondbacks’ home opener. He was the loser last Wednesday when the teams met at Dodger Stadium, when he was rocked for five runs in the fifth inning.

* Tuesday 7 p.m.--Ismael Valdes (1-0, 2.35) vs. Armando Reynoso (0-0, 10.80).

* Wednesday, 7 p.m.--Carlos Perez (0-1, 5.14) vs. Omar Daal (0-0, 0.00).

* Thursday, 7 p.m.--Darren Dreifort (1-0, 3.60) vs. Randy Johnson (1-0, 2.81).