Great Expectations for Pena

Dodger officials believe all rookie Angel Pena needs to become an outstanding major league catcher is experience. This season he has been getting that in triple-A Albuquerque, but Tuesday he was recalled to the major league club, replacing rookie Paul LoDuca as Todd Hundley’s backup.

The rest is up to Pena.

“This guy is special,” General Manager Kevin Malone said. “He has good instincts back there and a good arm. He’s got the ability to shut down a running game and he understands how to work with pitchers.

“He is still young [24], and you don’t want to put him in a position where he’s sitting right now. You want him to play as much as possible, but we thought this would be a good time to take a look at him.”

Although team officials have said LoDuca might return, Pena is expected to remain with the club unless he appears completely overmatched.

Pena made his major league debut in September after having an outstanding season for the double-A San Antonio Missions last season. The native of the Dominican Republic started three games, impressing in the brief appearance.

But Pena realized he probably wouldn’t begin this season in Los Angeles because the Dodgers acquired Hundley during the off-season. Although initially displeased about starting the season at Albuquerque, Pena now believes the experience has been beneficial.

“I learned a lot to help make me better,” Pena said. “I think I’m ready to help the team now.”

Pena worked daily with Albuquerque Manager Mike Scioscia, a former Dodger all-star catcher, on his technique, helping the rookie immeasurably.

“That was very good for him,” Dodger coach Manny Mota said. “He learned from one of the best catchers ever, and that’s only going to help him.

“He’s got a lot of talent and a lot of ability. It’s only a matter of time for him. He just has to stay focused, learn the pitching staff and be ready when the manager needs him.”

*

Infielder Jose Vizcaino was put on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday (retroactive to Monday) and the club purchased the contract of reliever Doug Bochtler, who was with the team in spring training, from a minor league affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Vizcaino, who batted .278 with eight runs batted in during 26 games, strained his left hamstring Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals while running the bases. He is eligible to come off the disabled list June 1. Bochtler takes Vizcaino’s spot on the 25-man roster.

A 28-year-old right-hander, Bochtler was 4-0 with a 2.63 earned-run average in 14 relief appearances for triple-A Syracuse. He opted for free agency after going 0-1 with a 5.63 ERA and one save in six appearances for the Dodgers during the exhibition season.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ CHAN HO PARK (3-3, 5.32 ERA)

vs.

ASTROS’ MIKE HAMPTON (5-1, 2.80 ERA)

Dodger Stadium, 7

TV--Fox Sports West 2

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

* Update--Park, the Dodgers’ No. 2 starter, has been a major disappointment to team officials. The right-hander has struggled with his command and confidence, confounding Manager Davey Johnson and pitching coach Charlie Hough. Johnson said Park has been reluctant to throw his 96-mph fastball in key situations, relying too much on breaking pitches. Park couldn’t preserve four- and three-run leads in his previous two outings. The left-handed Hampton is 4-0 with a 1.16 earned-run average and 24 strikeouts in his last four starts.