New Routine Throws Candiotti

Dodger knuckleballer Tom Candiotti showed up early to the stadium, got dressed, participated in the pregame activities, and then had no idea what to do.

Candiotti, a 12-year veteran, was opening the season for the first time in the bullpen.

“It’s a weird feeling,” Candiotti said. “It’s usually a thing where you start preparing for your first start, looking ahead at the lineup you’re about to face, but now I’m trying to figure out when I’m supposed to go the pen.

“I haven’t quite figured it out yet.”

Candiotti found himself in the game in the ninth inning, and pitched a 1-2-3 ninth, including two strikeouts.

“The hitters probably aren’t used to seeing a pitcher come out of the bullpen and throwing 78 mph,” Candiotti said, laughing.

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Dodger center fielder Brett Butler, in what will be his final opening-day game, was overcome with emotion Tuesday when he received a rousing, standing ovation from the sellout crowd at Dodger Stadium while walking to home plate.

“It kind of overwhelmed me,” Butler said. “It was more of a warm feeling, like I’m part of the family. I love them, and they love me back.”

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The Dodgers and New York Mets don’t like the idea, and each team has voiced its complaints, but major league baseball still plans to stop their April 15 game before the Mets bat in the bottom of the fifth inning for a 30-minute ceremony honoring Jackie Robinson.

The Dodgers have been told the ceremony must be during the game instead of pregame because of security reasons for President Clinton.

The long delay could hinder each team’s starting pitchers. Pedro Astacio is scheduled to start for the Dodgers.

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It was the first time in 21 years that someone other than Tom Lasorda was managing the Dodgers on opening day. Lasorda, Dodger vice president, threw out the ceremonial first pitch and received a loud ovation.

“Sure, it feels strange,” Dodger Manager Bill Russell said. “He’s been a fixture here. He’s usually the one standing here doing what I’m doing.”

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The Dodger season-ticket base for this season is 21,000, virtually identical to their season-ticket total of a year ago, said Debra Duncan, director of ticket operations. . . . The Dodgers put outfielder Roger Cedeno on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained hip flexor. He will play in triple-A Albuquerque when he’s ready.