Pitchers Off to a Good Start

It was evident in the Grapefruit League opener that the Dodgers’ decision to bring only 25 pitchers to spring training should benefit those fighting for jobs.

Three non-roster pitchers combined for six scoreless innings in a 4-2 victory over the Florida Marlins on Wednesday at Holman Stadium.

Veteran Scott Erickson started, giving up one hit in two innings. His fastball was clocked at 86 mph -- about six mph under what he threw last season -- but his sinker moved well.

Buddy Carlyle, a starter at triple-A Columbus last season and in Japan in 2002 and 2003, gave up one hit and walked none in three scoreless innings. A third non-roster pitcher, former Toronto Blue Jay closer Aquilino Lopez, set down the side in order in the ninth, striking out two.

“I signed with the Dodgers because they said I would get a chance to pitch in spring training,” Carlyle said. “Some teams have 35 or 40 pitchers and guys can’t get enough innings, so this is a great opportunity.”

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Manager Jim Tracy liked the discipline displayed by Dodger hitters, who drew seven walks, three coming in a two-run fifth inning highlighted by an RBI double by Jason Repko and a sacrifice fly by Delwyn Young.

The first two Dodger runs came on a home run by Ricky Ledee, who started in right field and batted third because J.D. Drew did not play.

Tracy said that Drew and second baseman Jeff Kent, who also did not play, would be brought along slowly.

“They know what they have to do to be ready for opening day,” Tracy said.

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It’s official: Paul Lo Duca no longer feels like a Dodger. He walked into Dodgertown in a Marlin uniform for the first time Wednesday and felt ... fine.

“I’m over it now,” he said. “The Marlins are treating me great and they made a commitment to sign me.”

Lo Duca spent 12 years in the Dodger organization and was the team’s catcher from 2001 until being traded in July. He watched from afar during the off-season as longtime teammates Adrian Beltre, Shawn Green and Alex Cora were cast aside.

“To me, it’s a shame,” he said. “That’s all I’ll say about that.”

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Norihiro Nakamura was bleary from not sleeping all night after traveling from Japan, but he rubbed his eyes for a different reason moments after entering the Dodger clubhouse Wednesday for the first time.

Pitcher Derek Lowe was wearing Nakamura’s No. 66 jersey and had his pants pulled up past his belly in a good-natured parody of the way the Japanese third baseman wears his uniform.

Lowe didn’t change into his jersey until he’d run a few sprints while teammates chuckled. Nakamura, who met Lowe three years ago in Japan during an all-star exhibition series, seemed to enjoy the welcome.

“He’s interesting,” Nakamura said through a translator. “I should be flattered.”

Lowe knew that Nakamura is something of a showman himself, having dyed his hair different colors over the years.

“He’s my kind of guy,” said Lowe, who was surrounded by Japanese media wanting an explanation for his antics. “I wouldn’t have done that if I didn’t already know he is a colorful player.”

Nakamura, 31, turned down a guaranteed $10 million in Japan for an opportunity to play in the major leagues. The Dodgers signed him to a minor league contract worth $500,000 if he makes the team.

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Left fielder Jayson Werth was hit in the left wrist by an A.J. Burnett fastball. Although Werth initially believed he had suffered a fracture, X-rays were negative and he is expected to be sidelined only a day or two. ... Eric Gagne played catch with coach Tim Wallach, the first time Gagne has thrown since suffering a minor knee injury last week. ... The remainder of Dodger players who do not have enough service time for arbitration agreed to one-year contracts Wednesday. ... Wilson Alvarez’s first pitching appearance was pushed back a few days because he has been ill. ... Right-hander Jeff Weaver will start today’s game against the Atlanta Braves.