LoDuca’s Anger Shows After His Latest Demotion

As Todd Hundley prepared Monday afternoon to return to a lineup that largely struggled without him, backup Paul LoDuca heaved his mask into the bottom of a blue duffel bag.

Hundley was reinstated from the disabled list and LoDuca, batting .346 in nine games, was optioned to triple-A Albuquerque.

While Hundley declared himself fit to catch as often as Manager Davey Johnson requires, LoDuca slammed a mitt on top of the mask.

And, as game time drew near, LoDuca said he intended to talk to General Manager Kevin Malone about his future with the only organization he’s ever known.

“It’s just real disappointing,” LoDuca said. “I’m sort of dumbfounded right now. I don’t know what to say.

“I’ve been a Dodger my whole life. But, if I’m not wanted here, I’d like somebody to tell me, straight up.”

Hundley, the No. 1 catcher, will be backed up by Chad Kreuter. Jim Leyritz can catch in an emergency.

“I understand,” Johnson said. “He’s done a good job up here, he’s worked hard. It’s a matter of numbers. That’s not one of our weak areas. The catching’s been outstanding.”

In his first at-bat, Hundley singled to right.

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Eight-time batting champion Tony Gwynn will undergo surgery on his left knee today in San Diego. He could miss the rest of the season.

Gwynn, 40, has had three previous surgeries on the knee. The nature of the latest procedure will be determined by the degree of cartilage damage found during the surgery.

Gwynn, who has 3,108 hits, is signed through this season. His contract holds a $6-million option for next season, which would have vested had Gwynn made 502 plate appearances. The club has the right to exercise the option.

Physicians Jan Fronek and Steven Copp will perform the surgery at Green Hospital Scripps Clinic.

The Padres also put right-hander Stan Spencer on the disabled list because of a strained elbow and promoted right-hander Will Cunnane, who will start against the Dodgers tonight, and outfielder Dusty Allen.

Even with the sore knee, Gwynn was batting .323.

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Darren Dreifort will start Thursday, on six days’ rest, rather than tonight. Eric Gagne is expected to be promoted from triple-A Albuquerque in time for tonight’s start. . . . Relievers Jeff Shaw and Terry Adams were examined by Dr. Frank Jobe. Davey Johnson would not rule out putting one of them on the disabled list to make room for Gagne. . . . The Dodgers should have the commissioner’s office ruling on their appeals stemming from the May 16 altercation in Chicago by today or Wednesday, according to a baseball official.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’

ERIC

GAGNE

(1-4, 4.47)

vs.

PADRES’

WILL CUNNANE

(1-1, 6.28)

Dodger Stadium, 7.

TV--Ch. 5. Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).

* Update--Gagne has held opposing hitters to a .254 average and has 48 strikeouts in 50 1/3 innings, but has 31 walks. Cunnane has 20 strikeouts and 11 walks in 14 1/3 innings. Kobe Bryant will throw out tonight’s ceremonial first pitch. He’ll be at Dodger Stadium to tape a television segment.

* Tickets--(323) 224-1448.