DODGERS : First Is Foremost as Harris Gets a Chance

VERO BEACH, Fla. —  Lenny Harris might have demonstrated Sunday why the Dodgers are reluctant to make him a full-time starter.

He is too much fun coming off the bench.

Ordered to play first base for the first time in his pro career, Harris made three outstanding plays and got a hit, although the Dodgers lost to Montreal, 3-2.

“This was great, and if Eddie (Murray) doesn’t feel like he can go again tomorrow, then I want to be back in there again,” said Harris, who received his chance because of Murray’s sore right hip. “Don’t matter to me where I’m playing. All they have to do is punch my number and I’m in there.”

Since joining the Dodgers with Kal Daniels in a trade with Cincinnati in late 1989, Harris has made good on that promise. He has played second base, shortstop, third base, the outfield and now first base.

What’s next, catcher?

“Oh, man, no way,” Harris said. “I’ve seen Mike Scioscia come back in the clubhouse with all of those nasty bumps and bruises. If they made me catch, I might pull off all the gear in the middle of the game and get out.”

If the Dodgers had not already tried and failed to make Mike Sharperson an emergency catcher, they no doubt would have slipped a mask on Harris.

By giving Harris a chance to become Murray’s permanent backup against right-handed pitching, they showed their intention to get full use out of baseball’s top hitting third baseman last year.

Harris, who hit .304 overall, batted .331 while playing third base in a platoon with Sharperson.

But the reason Jeff Hamilton will be the opening day starter at third base is that Harris, a left-handed hitter, batted .238 against left-handed pitching.

Many argue that he cannot be expected to hit left-handers unless he sees them. Harris had only 42 at-bats against left-handers last year.

“Not to say that the statistics speak for themselves, but I know I am an everyday player,” Harris said. “I’m dying to get in there everyday.”

The difference between Harris and other players who don’t like the bench is that he will not complain about it. He even thrives on it during occasions like Sunday’s game, when he made two leaping catches and fielded a grounder and threw it to the pitcher for another out.

Harris also singled in four at-bats. He has 17 hits in his last 39 at-bats for a .404 average.

“This is my job, I come to work, I get paid for it, I don’t go to the manager complaining or anything like that,” Harris said.

“My theory is to keep smiling and not let anything bother you. A lot of guys wish they were in my shoes.

“Heck, we got enough superstars around here. I’m just Lenny, and I’m going to stay Lenny.”

Dodger Notes

Kevin Gross, facing his old teammates, gave up three runs and eight hits in seven innings. But two of those hits were home runs by Dave Martinez as Gross’ record fell to 0-4 while his earned-run average dropped from 10.20 to 8.18. Gross is scheduled to start the home opener against San Diego April 12. “It will be one of the most exciting things of my career,” the Los Angeles native said.

Orel Hershiser was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday, formally ending his chances of being on the opening day roster, but confirming that the Dodgers expect him to return before June. Most players suffering serious injuries are placed on the 60-day disabled list, but the Dodgers and Hershiser believe he can be ready sooner.

Hershiser acknowledged for the first time that his arm hurt so badly after his five-inning simulated game March 15, “I could not have thrown a ball.” That setback will prevent him from facing live hitters for a couple of weeks. . . . Tim Belcher, the opening day starter, will not pitch in the Freeway Series. He will remain in Vero Beach and pitch a few innings Friday in a minor league game, then join the team in Atlanta Monday.