Filling No. 2 Hole Is Job No. 1

Dodger Manager Davey Johnson couldn’t be more pleased with leadoff batter Eric Young, who has filled his role well.

Johnson is less enthusiastic about the performances of those batting second, hoping someone will eventually take charge. The way things are going, Johnson acknowledges, that could take awhile.

“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the second-hole hitter hasn’t been that great,” he said. “We have a lot of things we need to do better, and that’s one of them.”

Advancing runners is the primary job of No. 2 batters. The best ones handle the bat well and rarely strike out, giving managers options to try to move runners into scoring position.

Shortstop Mark Grudzielanek was Johnson’s first option to bat behind Young, figuring Grudzielanek had the experience necessary for the assignment. Johnson already realizes he missed on that one.

“It’s amazing you have a [four]-year veteran hitting in the two-hole who isn’t more selective,” Johnson said of Grudzielanek, who destroyed his batting helmet in frustration after Tuesday’s victory over Milwaukee because he had problems batting second.

“Grud hit a lot of second in Montreal, to my recollection. But he obviously doesn’t even get good pitches to bunt at. We’re picking on Grud, but we can pick on a lot of guys for different stuff. You can pick on guys for not being selective, for not hitting behind the runner. You can get into a lot of things if you want.”

Johnson bumped Grudzielanek to seventh in the batting order before Wednesday’s 3-2 victory over the Brewers.

Jose Vizcaino singled twice in four at-bats while batting second and playing third base in place of Adrian Beltre, who sat out because of a bruised right knee. Beltre is listed as day-to-day.

Vizcaino is best suited for the job because he’s an intelligent hitter. Moreover, Vizcaino understands how Young works.

But Vizcaino is a utility player for now, meaning he isn’t in the everyday lineup. Johnson has considered making catcher Todd Hundley the primary No. 2 batter, though he probably won’t at this point because Hundley is struggling.

So for now, Johnson will keep searching.

*

Gary Sheffield was ejected in the ninth inning by home plate umpire Eric Gregg for arguing balls and strikes. Sheffield said he and Gregg have had problems for years.

“All I said was, ‘That ball was down and you know it,’ ” Sheffield said. “And he said, ‘Don’t say anything to me.’ ”

*

Reliever Antonio Osuna pitched two scoreless innings Tuesday night for Class-A San Bernardino against Lake Elsinore in his second rehabilitation-assignment outing.

Osuna is on the disabled list because of a bone spur in his throwing elbow.

TODAY

DODGERS’

ISMAEL VALDES

(2-0, 3.14 ERA)

vs.

BREWERS’

CAL ELDRED

(0-0, 4.50 ERA)

County Stadium, 11 a.m. PDT

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

* Update--Valdes has been the Dodgers’ most effective starter behind Kevin Brown, displaying determination and heart. The right-hander is coming off an impressive outing, pitching the staff’s only complete game in a 6-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday. Valdes, who struck out 10, gave the bullpen a needed night off. Moreover, Valdes persuaded Manager Davey Johnson to let him finish the game although he was experiencing blister problems on the tip of the middle finger of his throwing hand. At a time when several members of the Dodger rotation are struggling, Valdes’ early performance has given Johnson and pitching coach Charlie Hough something to feel good about.