No Room for Luke on the Roster

By JASON REID

May 30, 1998 12 AM PT

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The Dodgers’ bid to acquire Seattle Mariner all-star pitcher Randy Johnson is obviously the big news, but it’s not their only activity.

Rookie outfielder/first baseman Matt Luke was designated for assignment Friday to make room on the 25-man roster for pitcher Eric Weaver, who was recalled from triple-A Albuquerque.

The Dodgers made the move because they have been carrying only 10 pitchers, instead of the customary 11, since Paul Konerko was recalled from Albuquerque on May 22, and reliever Brad Clontz was sent there.

In 18 appearances for the Dukes, the right-handed Weaver was 0-1 with a 1.69 earned-run average and two saves.

“We have been going into our bullpen a lot lately, and we just didn’t need to have seven guys down there [on the bench],” Manager Bill Russell said. “We really needed another arm right now.

“Matt did a good job for us, but with the guys we’re playing now, there wasn’t a spot for him any more. He was just kind of the odd man out.”

Luke, who bats left-handed, was claimed off waivers from the New York Yankees in September.

He made the opening-day roster after impressing Russell during spring training, and he provided left-handed power off the bench, something the Dodgers lacked last season.

The May 15 trade of Mike Piazza hurt Luke’s chances to remain with the team, because Jim Eisenreich was among the players the Dodgers received from the Florida Marlins in the seven-player transaction. Eisenreich, a 13-year veteran, also plays the outfield and first base.

In 33 games, Luke batted .286 (22 for 77) with seven doubles, three home runs and 11 RBIs. And he impressed teammates with his work ethic.

“Matt Luke comes to play every day,” second baseman Eric Young said. “He [was] a real big part of our team.”

Luke would be sent to Albuquerque if he clears waivers, but he’s expected to be claimed.

“He’s a big left-hander with power, so someone will claim him,” Russell said. “There aren’t a lot of guys like that out there.”

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ HIDEO NOMO (2-6, 4.50 ERA)

vs.

REDS’ PETE HARNISCH (4-1, 3.24 ERA)

Dodger Stadium, 1 p.m.

TV--Channel 11. Radio--AM 1150, KWKW (1330).

* Update--Could this be an audition for Nomo? Although Fred Claire, executive vice president, denied offering Nomo to Seattle in a proposed package for Johnson, he didn’t say he wouldn’t include Nomo in a deal. Nomo isn’t the pitcher the Mariners want, but things change. A strong performance by the inconsistent right-hander might pique interest. Nomo has had his moments to this point, averaging 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings, which is second in the National League. He has a 3.61 ERA in his last seven starts, but is 1-4 during that span. Nomo tied his career high with seven walks Monday in a 4-3, 10-inning victory over the Houston Astros. He also struck out seven and gave up three runs and eight hits in 6 2/3 innings. The Astros left the bases loaded in the first three innings, failing to score. “Nomo didn’t have his best stuff, that was obvious,” pitching coach Glenn Gregson said. “But the thing you like to see is that he kept on battling, and he gave us a chance to win the game. When your starter is struggling, that’s the effort you want to see.”

New in Blue

How the key players involved in the Dodger-Marlin trade on May 15 are faring:

GARY SHEFFIELD

* With Dodgers: 19 for 45, .422 average, 2 home runs, 9 RBIs.

* With Marlins: 27 for 136, .272, 6 home runs, 28 RBIs.

BOBBY BONILLA

* With Dodgers: 13 for 54, .241, 1 home run, 7 RBIs.

* With Marlins: 27 for 97, .278, 4 home runs, 17 RBIs.

CHARLES JOHNSON

* With Dodgers: 4 for 45, .089, 2 home run, 3 RBIs.

* With Marlins: 25 for 113, .221, 7 home runs, 24 RBIs.

JIM EISENREICH