Dodger Notebook : Honeycutt Loses Shirt, Finds His Stuff

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Rick Honeycutt forgot his uniform jersey Saturday, so he borrowed Ken Howell’s.

While Howell’s jersey made for a passable fit, Honeycutt would have looked impressive in a T-shirt and cutoffs Saturday as he pitched three strong innings in the Dodgers’ 4-3 loss to the Houston Astros in their exhibition opener here.

Honeycutt, trying to prove he’s over the shoulder miseries that contributed to an 8-12 record last season, limited the Astros to one hit, a first-inning single by Terry Puhl. He retired the last seven batters he faced and struck out two.

The Dodgers’ newest reliever, Ed Vande Berg, the left-hander acquired from Seattle for Steve Yeager, did not fare as well, taking the loss after giving up three hits and two runs in the sixth.

“The main thing is I was throwing free and easy,” Honeycutt said. “The first inning was like the intrasquad game the other day, I was all over the place. But the second inning, things were rolling better, and by the third I was feeling real comfortable.”

Honeycutt said he pitched pain-free. “I had some stiffness when I was getting loose,” he said. “I just have to continue to strengthen the shoulder. When I get to five or six innings, that will be the test, to see how it responds.”

Dodger Notes Pedro Guerrero, who did not make the trip Saturday but took extra hitting with Manny Mota at Vero Beach, is scheduled to play in the home opener today. Fernando Valenzuela is scheduled to start against the Astros in a game that will be televised back to L.A. (Channel 11, 10:35 a.m.) . . . . Mike Marshall and Enos Cabell had two hits apiece for the Dodgers, who also made three errors--one each by Steve Sax, Dave Anderson and Mariano Duncan. . . . Bill Madlock, who has phlebitis in his right leg, did not play Saturday; he’s questionable for today. . . . Manager Tom Lasorda expressed irritation at L.A. reporters for their line of questioning in the Joe DeCarlo affair, and suggested they ask Pete Rose the same questions in Tampa. Saturday, Rose was quoted as saying DeCarlo is a “great guy.” . . . Duncan, who had his knee drained of fluid Thursday, showed little effects Saturday, tripling once, scoring twice and making a couple of outstanding defensive plays. . . . The Dodgers renewed Duncan’s contract at $135,000, $5,000 more than was reported Saturday. . . . Alejandro Pena is scheduled to pitch in a “B” squad game against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday.