Guerrero Is Activated for Pinch-Hitting Role

Pedro is back.

At exactly 6:20 p.m. Wednesday, Pedro Guerrero announced during a press conference in the Dodger dugout that he is being reactivated--as a pinch-hitter.

Guerrero has been sidelined since rupturing the patellar tendon in his left knee during a spring-training game on April 3.

Guerrero will take the place of outfielder Ken Landreaux on the Dodger roster. Landreaux underwent arthroscopic surgery Tuesday to repair torn cartilage in his left knee and is expected to be out for up to a month.

Asked if he’s nervous about returning, Guerrero said: “I don’t know what nervous is. I’ve never been nervous. Of course, I’ve got a lot of confidence.

“I don’t feel any pain in my knee, but sometimes when I run it’s a little sore the next day. I’m not worried because I know it will be like that for a while.”

Manager Tom Lasorda said: “I’m going to use him as a wild card. He’ll pinch-hit, and if he gets on, we’ll run for him.”

When it was announced before the game that Guerrero was returning, there was polite applause from the big crowd at Dodger Stadium.

Guerrero, bat in hand, watched the game from a seat in the dugout near the ramp that leads to the clubhouse.

In the seventh inning, the crowd began calling for him, chanting, “Pedro, Pedro,” but Guerrero didn’t get into the game.