Joe Torre places Scott Podsednik in leadoff spot
Reporting from San Diego — Figuring he didn’t necessarily want someone trying to steal bases with Andre Ethier at the plate, Manager Joe Torre batted fleet-footed newcomer Scott Podsednik in the leadoff spot and dropped Rafael Furcal into the two-hole Thursday.
Torre said he spoke to Furcal before posting the lineup, which he described as a “test run.”
“He had absolutely no issue with it,” Torre said.
Torre noted that the move could help Furcal get back on track, as he probably will see better pitches batting in front of Ethier. Furcal went into Thursday one for his last 19.
Furcal was 0 for 4 in the Dodgers’ 3-2 loss to the San Diego Padres and Podsednik snapped his 15-game hitting streak with a 0-for-3 outing, but Torre said he would stick with the alignment for at least another day.
Podsednik, who was acquired in a trade with the Kansas City Royals the previous day, showed up to the Dodgers’ clubhouse about two hours before the start of the series finale at Petco Park.
He was told he would be starting in center field in place of a resting Matt Kemp.
Podsednik said everything expected of a player traded from a last-place club to a playoff contender.
“I’m excited about the opportunity,” he said. “We’re right in the middle of it. It’s a lot more fun being in the middle of a race and contending than where we were with the Royals.
“Hopefully, this will give me a lot more people in my step.”
Asked whether he would be comfortable moving into a lesser role when Manny Ramirez returns from the disabled list, he replied, “I can’t control that. Once he comes back, that will be management’s decision.”
The 34-year-old Podsednik said he hasn’t thought much about the upcoming off-season. If he makes 525 plate appearances, he will be able to void his 2010 club option for $2 million. He now has 439 plate appearances.
Although the salary might appear modest for a .300 hitter, Podsednik might consider taking the $2 million based on his experience last winter. He acknowledged that he signed with the Royals in part because of the lack of interest in him among other teams. The Dodgers were never among his suitors, he said.
Billingsley to start on short rest
With Clayton Kershaw suspended and the Dodgers in need of an emergency starter for Saturday in San Francisco, Chad Billingsley walked into the manager’s office and offered to pitch that day on three days’ rest.
Torre took him up on his offer.
Torre had previously said John Ely was likely to start Saturday, but noted Thursday that by starting Billingsley, the Dodgers wouldn’t have to make a roster move.
Kuo’s streak ends
During the scoreless eighth inning Hong-Chih Kuo pitched, he gave up a single to Adrian Gonzalez.
The hit was the first by a left-handed batter against Kuo all season. Entering the game, left-handed batters were 0 for 36 against Kuo.
Roster move
To make room on the roster for Podsednik, the Dodgers designated left-hander Jack Taschner for assignment. Taschner said he wasn’t sure whether he would accept a minor league assignment with the Dodgers if he clears waivers.
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