Vizcaino May Return

Dodger officials are expected to put outfielder Todd Hollandsworth on the disabled list Friday and activate infielder Jose Vizcaino instead of recalling an outfielder from triple-A Albuquerque as initially planned.

Manager Davey Johnson said Wednesday that Hollandsworth probably will be assigned to the 15-day disabled list because of the torn abdominal muscle he suffered during last Thursday’s 4-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Johnson would prefer to add another outfielder to the 25-man roster, but the candidates at Albuquerque are not considered strong enough to merit promotions at this time.

If Hollandsworth goes on the disabled list, Trenidad Hubbard would be the only experienced reserve outfielder on the roster. Infielder Tripp Cromer could be used in the outfield, if necessary.

Hubbard went hitless in four at-bats against Pittsburgh Wednesday when he started in place of center fielder Devon White. Johnson said the 36-year-old White needed a day off.

But with only one veteran backup behind them, White, left fielder Gary Sheffield and right fielder Raul Mondesi will continue to be pushed.

“This isn’t the way I want it,” Johnson said. “But we’re just going to have to get through it.”

The switch-hitting Vizcaino has been on the disabled list since May 19 (retroactive to May 17) because of a strained left hamstring. Vizcaino was eligible to be activated Tuesday but remained on the list because he suffered setbacks during his rehabilitation.

Hollandsworth and Vizcaino are scheduled to be reevaluated today.

“We’re going to take a look at it, but I think it’s pretty much assured that Holly will have to go on the DL,” Johnson said. “It’s probably just easiest to add [Vizcaino] and put Holly on [the DL]. Sure, I’d like to be able to get another outfielder up here. I’d also like to be able to stick another left-handed bat in there like Holly.”

Johnson hoped Kevin Gibbs would be ready. Gibbs impressed the manager during spring training and Johnson had planned to recall Gibbs if the Dodgers needed outfield help. However, the speedy Gibbs suffered a torn cartilage tear in his right shoulder, had surgery and is out for the season.

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Trying to increase the athleticism in their farm system, the Dodgers selected Jason Repko, a high school shortstop from West Richland, Wash., with their first pick in the free-agent amateur draft.

Repko--rated 54th on Baseball America’s top-100 prospect list--was the 37th overall selection on the first day of the draft, which culminates today. The San Diego Padres were awarded the Dodgers’ first-round pick as compensation for the Kevin Brown signing.

In his senior season at Hanford High, 18-year-old Repko, 5 feet 11 and 175 pounds, batted .581 with 18 home runs and 47 runs batted in during 21 games.

“I’m pumped up and I’m in awe,” said Repko, who hopes to sign quickly. “The Dodgers are giving me a chance to do something I’ve worked for and dreamed about my whole life.”

“We like Jason’s overall athletic ability and versatility,” said Ed Creech, co-assistant general manager, who coordinated the organization’s draft efforts. “He’s a ‘tools’ guy. We’re going to give him every opportunity to play in the infield, but he can also be a center fielder. We’re going to let experience and time dictate where he’ll play.”