Shuey Suddenly Turns It Around

Dodger Manager Jim Tracy has a theory why reliever Paul Shuey struggled in his early outings with the Dodgers but has been nearly unhittable of late.

“He got acclimated,” Tracy said. “His family is now with him. There is ... a lot involved. We like to dismiss it sometimes, I think, but transition ... when you’re [traded] well over halfway through a season, that can be somewhat tough.

“There’s a lot of work involved there, both mentally and physically, to make that transition.”

Shuey, who was traded to the Dodgers by the Cleveland Indians on July 28, had a 9.35 earned-run average in his first 11 appearances with the Dodgers.

The right-hander has not allowed a run in his last 7 2/3 innings over five games, giving up one hit, two walks and striking out four batters. He got the first base hit of his career in Tuesday night’s 6-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

“I’m just getting ... comfortable and with the family here, we’re in a good situation,” said Shuey, who was drafted second overall by the Indians in 1992.

“I’m not worried about my family now and I just feel like I can go out and pitch. Honestly, the ball’s just bouncing better for me.”

Shuey also said that he’s been throwing more fastballs lately and not relying as much on breaking and split-fingered pitches. Shuey, though, refused to blame being homesick on his initial struggles.

“I’m not saying that’s the reason I was stinking early,” he said. “I was just stinking early. Whether that was from trying too much or whatever, the bottom line was bad pitching. I don’t think I’m a bad pitcher.... I feel I’m a lot better right now.”

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The sight Monday night of a motionless Alex Cora, who had collided with Arizona shortstop Tony Womack’s knee while sliding head-first on a steal attempt, made Dave Roberts shudder. But that doesn’t mean the speedy Dodger leadoff hitter is going to eschew the head-first slide.

“Not at all,” Roberts said. “I’ve been playing this way for a long time and I think that with Alex it was a freak injury and I’m just glad it wasn’t too serious. But as far as the way I play the game, that doesn’t change it. I play hard all the time and I think I would do myself and this team a disservice by playing cautious.”

Roberts also said that slowing down his style would leave him susceptible to injury.

“You’ve just got to go on instincts and just play the game the way you know how to play it,” he said. “I dive around, running all over the place. That’s how [I] play this game.”

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Brian Jordan, eligible to come off the disabled list Sunday, took batting practice and soft toss swings Wednesday for the second day in a row.