Punch Is a Bad Break for Grudzielanek

The Dodgers’ frustration is beginning to show. In Tuesday’s game against Pittsburgh, shortstop Mark Grudzielanek exploded after grounding into a double play--punching a mesh-covered steel wall in the runway with his right hand. Grudzielanek continued to play, but X-rays revealed Thursday that he suffered a broken hand.

He went on the 15-day disabled list Friday for the first time in his career. Manager Davey Johnson said Grudzielanek will be out a minimum of six weeks.

“I wish I could change it,” Grudzielanek said. “Nobody feels worse about it than I do. I know I hurt the team.”

Said General Manager Kevin Malone: “Hopefully, he’ll learn from this. I know he’s disappointed and frustrated by the way things have been going, but he’s got to figure out another way to channel his energy than hurting himself.”

Outfielder Todd Hollandsworth joined Grudzielanek on the disabled list because of a strained muscle in his ribs. Replacing Hollandsworth and Grudzielanek on the roster were infielder Jose Vizcaino, who came off the disable list and started at shortstop, and infielder Chance Sanford, who was recalled from Albuquerque. Sanford, 27, started at second base and batted leadoff in place of Eric Young, who is hobbled by an ankle injury.

Sanford, batting .276 with four home runs and 15 RBIs in triple A, had been sidelined by a pinched nerve and only started playing again last week.

“It’s shock,” said Sanford, a left-handed hitting infielder who hit .143 last year during a brief stint with Pittsburgh. “I’ve never been here before. I’ll get nervous when I walk out on the field.”

Malone said he is hoping Sanford will give his struggling team a lift.

“You need a guy with some enthusiasm,” Malone said. “He gives you a little spark and he’s a guy that can set the table. You need a blend of superstars and guys who don’t have as much talent.”

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Johnson said catcher Todd Hundley, who sprained his left wrist Wednesday during a collision with Pittsburgh’s Ed Sprague, will be out four or five days. Hollandsworth is not expected back for at least three weeks. . . . Sunday’s starter will be Carlos Perez, who was originally scheduled to start Friday night. . . . Jason Repko, the Dodgers’ top draft pick out of Hanford High in Richland, Wash., signed Thursday night and was in uniform before Friday’s game, taking batting practice and fielding grounders. Repko, the 37th pick overall, can play shortstop, second base or center field. He probably will report to Great Falls in the Pioneer Rookie League.