Tracy Says Hard-Working Gagne Still User-Friendly

Eyebrows were raised Friday night when Manager Jim Tracy used closer Eric Gagne in the ninth inning of a game the Dodgers were trailing, 3-2. More eyebrows arched Saturday when Gagne warmed up in the eighth and ninth innings, despite the fact the Dodgers were trailing Arizona, 7-5.

Gagne’s workload in his first full season as a reliever--more precisely, the potential for him to be overworked--has been a hot-button topic for Tracy, who has had to defend his use of Gagne on several occasions, most notably in late June, when Tracy used Gagne on four consecutive days.

“We have not overused Eric Gagne,” Tracy said. “Every time people see him warming up, I get asked that question.”

Tracy said he wanted to use Gagne for an inning Friday because he pitched only once last week, in the All-Star game. When the Dodgers put two on the ninth inning Saturday, Tracy wanted Gagne warm in case they tied the game. Gagne did not pitch.

Gagne gave up a homer in the ninth inning Sunday night but recovered to record his 33rd save in the Dodgers’ 2-1 victory over the Diamondbacks.

“What are you supposed to do? I’ve got to have the guy ready in case I need him,” Tracy said. “It bothers me that people suggest that’s overuse. When you’re in a pennant race, you’re going to use your closer. If the thought even occurs to me that he’s being overused, I will not use him.”

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A trade for Texas utility player Frank Catalanotto seems less likely after Ranger left fielder Rusty Greer hurt his back again Sunday, an injury that sparked a chain reaction that will result in Catalanotto getting more playing time as designated hitter. Texas General Manager John Hart said he is “less enthusiastic” about trading Catalanotto, whom the Dodgers believe can bolster their bench.

The Dodgers have apparently added Toronto right-hander Kelvim Escobar to the long list of relief pitchers they are pursuing in potential deals. The hard-throwing Escobar is 4-4 with a 4.85 earned-run average and 14 saves in 38 games for the Blue Jays. He makes $2.3 million and is eligible for arbitration at the end of the season.

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When Eric Karros experienced a little dip in production--his average had fallen from .305 on June 26 to .290 Sunday--Tracy did not hesitate to drop him from the cleanup spot to fifth and promote left fielder Brian Jordan from fifth to cleanup Saturday.

And it probably won’t be the last time Karros and Jordan switch spots.

“The hottest hand hits behind Shawn Green,” Tracy said. “We’re far enough into the season to where if you’re committed to playing in October, as we are, that you have to put egos aside. It’s no disrespect to any player, it’s no over analysis. It’s just what’s best for the team.”

ON DECK

Opponent--St. Louis Cardinals, two games.

Site--Dodger Stadium.

Tonight--7 p.m.

TV--Fox Sports Net 2 tonight and Tuesday.

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

Records--Dodgers 55-37, Cardinals 49-39.

Record vs. Cardinals--2-2.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’

OMAR DAAL

(7-4, 4.15 ERA)

vs.

CARDINALS’

TRAVIS SMITH

(2-0, 5.92 ERA)

Update--Daal’s last start was against the Cardinals, and it wasn’t pretty--the left-hander was rocked for eight runs and eight hits, including two first-inning home runs, in 3 2/3 innings of a 12-6 loss in St. Louis on July 7. Smith, who had the difficult task of filling a rotation spot after the June 22 death of Darryl Kile, allowed only one run and seven hits in six innings of a 3-2 Cardinal victory over the Dodgers on July 4.

Tuesday, noon--Hideo Nomo (9-5, 3.12) vs. Andy Benes (0-2, 10.80).

Tickets--(323) 224-1448.