Lowe Comes to a Surprising Stop

Rick Honeycutt played 21 years in the major leagues, but this was a new one for the Dodgers pitching coach.

“I’ve never seen a guy stop in the middle of a windup,” Honeycutt said.

Derek Lowe did just that Friday, with Florida’s Cody Ross at the plate. Lowe said he heard a fan tipping pitches, by yelling whether catcher Russell Martin had set up inside or outside.

“It was my dad,” Ross said, laughing.

Neither Martin nor Honeycutt said he could hear the fan, but Florida’s Jeremy Hermida said he could.

“I’m not trying to listen to fans in the stands,” Ross said. “Fans could have been yelling ‘Sinker!’ and it wouldn’t have mattered. He’s still tough to hit.”

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Before Saturday’s game, Manager Grady Little said Julio Lugo would start in center field today, in what would have been his first outfield appearance in five years. After the game, Little scratched that plan and said Ramon Martinez would start in right field, in what would be his first outfield appearance in four years.

Although Little said he was concerned whenever someone plays an unfamiliar position, he said Lugo looked fine in the outfield during batting practice and might be used there in the future. Lugo said he did not ask Little to reconsider.

“I don’t know why he backed off,” Lugo said. “I was kind of surprised. I haven’t played center field in a long time, and I don’t know how I would feel out there. I’m just an employee.”

Today’s lineup also will include Jason Repko in center field, Olmedo Saenz at first base and Toby Hall at catcher.

Kenny Lofton is hitting .315 off right-handers and .224 off left-handers, but Little said he would not consider platooning Lofton with Lugo in center field.

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Jeff Kent (strained side muscle) went into Little’s office Saturday and lobbied to play. The Dodgers did not activate him, but Little said they probably would do so Monday.

“If he’s not in the game by Monday, he’ll probably come in with some kind of shotgun,” Little joked. “It won’t be a casual conversation.”

The Dodgers could activate Nomar Garciaparra (sprained knee) later this week.

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Tropical Storm Chris fizzled, so the Dodgers are spared from hurricane watch. But thundershowers are in the forecast for the Miami area, which could turn today into a mighty long day and put the Dodgers at a competitive disadvantage Monday.

The Dodgers’ charter flight is scheduled to land at LAX tonight at 8:30, but a delayed game could play havoc with the timetable. The Dodgers play host to Colorado on Monday. The Rockies have a short flight from San Francisco this afternoon.