DODGERS REPORT : Mondesi Closing In on 30-30

Despite his problems this season, Raul Mondesi is compiling impressive statistics in some categories.

The embattled right fielder hit two home runs Monday night in an 8-6 loss to the Florida Marlins at Pro Player Stadium, increasing his total to 28. He had three runs batted in to increase his total to 80.

Mondesi also has 27 stolen bases. In 1997, Mondesi became the only player in franchise history with at least 30 homers and 30 stolen bases in a season.

With 26 games remaining, Mondesi has a chance to reach the 30-30 plateau again. Mondesi still is only batting .248, well below his career average before this season of .295.

However, Manager Davey Johnson embraces anything positive these days.

“He seems to have picked it up,” Johnson said of Mondesi. “I know it’s been a rough year for him, he’s been fighting himself for a while, but it looks like he has kind of relaxed a little. He seems to be getting comfortable again.

“He has had some rough months, but he’s still going to put up good numbers. He has a shot to go 30-30 again, and that’s what separates Mondy from a lot of guys. He’s at his best when he’s out there running the bases and making plays in right. That’s Mondy.”

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First baseman Eric Karros--the subject of trade rumors earlier this season--hit his team-leading 31st homer Monday and is among only five players in franchise history with at least 30 homers in at least four seasons.

“You can only control your preparation and the way you react to things, you can’t control the results,” Karros said. “I prepare myself, and if I’m healthy, I’ve proven I’m going to be consistent.”

Karros is batting .296 and leads the team with 95 RBIs.

TODAY

DODGERS’ ERIC GAGNE (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

vs.

MARLINS’ RYAN DEMPSTER (6-7, 5.34 ERA)

Pro Player Stadium, 4 PDT

TV--Fox Sports West 2. Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330)

Update--Dodger officials are excited about the major league debut of right-hander Eric Gagne, who was activated today. The Dodgers recalled Gagne, 23, from double-A San Antonio after he compiled a 12-4 record with a 2.63 ERA in 26 starts. He led the Texas League with 185 strikeouts, was second in ERA and third in victories. Gagne and the Marlins’ Dempster are natives of Canada.