A Start by Sanchez Could Provide Relief

Duaner Sanchez has made 99 major league appearances, all in relief. A starting role, however, could be in his future.

Sanchez, who has a 2.74 earned-run average in 18 games this season, has been developing a changeup to go with his fastball, slider and curve. Command of an assortment of pitches is the best way to earn a ticket into the rotation -- even on a spot-start basis.

“I wouldn’t rule it out,” Manager Jim Tracy said of Sanchez’s eventually becoming a starter. “He’s certainly got great stuff and he’s been working on his pitches with [pitching coach Jim Colborn].”

Acquired off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates before the 2004 season, Sanchez, 25, was a starter throughout his minor league career.

“I would like a chance to go back to starting,” he said. “I always liked doing it. I’ve been throwing the changeup since the last month of last year, trying to get better so I can have more pitches and stay in games longer.”

*

Scott Erickson’s strong performance Sunday made Tracy’s decision easy should a starter be needed Friday to replace left-hander Odalis Perez, who will have an MRI exam on his shoulder today.

“It’s safe to say that if we need a starter Friday, we know who it would be,” Tracy said.

Tracy is reluctant to start Wilson Alvarez, a 35-year-old left-hander who was successful as a swingman the last two years. Alvarez missed the first 25 games because of shoulder tendinitis.

“I wouldn’t want to run the risk of Wilson Alvarez throwing 75-80 pitches,” Tracy said.

*

The Dodgers shrugged off the back-to-back home runs given up by Eric Gagne on Saturday in his first appearance of the season, even though his velocity of 91-92 mph was below normal.

“I loved getting him out there and having him revisit his environment, his domain, in a game that wasn’t a save situation,” Tracy said.

Gagne was upbeat Sunday, saying he was pain-free and available to pitch again.

*

Brad Penny doesn’t want to say much about his start tonight against his former teammates. But Florida Marlin Manager Jack McKeon likes talking about Penny.

“He’s one of my favorite guys,” McKeon told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “I’m anxious to see how he pitches against us and how our players react against him.

“They pretty much know what he’s got.”

McKeon sees the same traits the Dodgers see in the right-hander, who has made four starts since coming off the disabled list.

“The thing I liked was how receptive he was to learning a lot more about pitching and how to pitch,” McKeon said. “I thought he made tremendous strides, staying within himself and not letting his emotions get carried away like he used to. The big thing was not trying to rear back and see if he could throw 98 mph on every pitch.”

*

ON DECK

Opponent -- Florida Marlins, three games.

Site -- Dodger Stadium.

TV -- FSN West 2.

Radio -- 980, 1330.

Records -- Dodgers 21-16, Marlins 19-15.

2004 record vs. Marlins -- 3-3.

Tonight, 7 -- Brad Penny (2-1, 3.97) vs. Brian Moehler (1-1, 2.05).

Tuesday, 7 p.m. -- Derek Lowe (2-4, 2.94) vs. Dontrelle Willis (7-0, 1.08).

Wednesday, noon -- Jeff Weaver (4-2, 5.15) vs. Josh Beckett (5-3, 2.40).

Tickets -- (866) 363-4377.