Clark’s Job Status in Jeopardy Again

The Dodgers are again considering firing batting instructor Jack Clark before the end of the regular season, two team officials said Sunday.

Clark was on the verge of being fired in July after his candid comments about the team’s problems, but Chairman Bob Daly and General Manager Dan Evans decided to keep Clark on the coaching staff.

That might change soon because Clark’s ongoing comments about the struggling team have continued to upset his superiors. Moreover, Clark’s deteriorating relationship with Evans has fueled further friction.

Evans declined to comment about Clark’s job status after Sunday’s 8-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Attempts to contact Clark were unsuccessful.

Dodger officials said Evans is contemplating firing Clark this week, possibly as early as today. And even if Evans is dissuaded from making an in-season coaching change, Clark’s contract will not be renewed for 2004.

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Closer Eric Gagne worked a perfect ninth with two strikeouts.

“To win the game, and just to get into a game, was good,” said Gagne, who has had only one save opportunity since July 24.

“I needed some work today. It worked out good.”

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Infielder Larry Barnes and pitcher Scott Mullen were designated for assignment, and infielder Ron Coomer was activated from the disabled list. Barnes and Mullen, Sunday’s starter against the Braves, will go to triple-A Las Vegas if they clear waivers.

Coomer, sidelined by a jaw problem, rejoined the team after completing a three-game rehabilitation assignment at Class-A Vero Beach.