BASEBALL : DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Carter Sends Message to Baserunners

Gary Carter made the most of his first start at catcher Tuesday, throwing out three of four would-be base stealers. At the height of his career Carter’s arm was considered the equal of any in the National League, but his reputation was the opposite by the time he left the Mets after the 1989 season. He hopes that’s changing. “Once you demonstrate you can throw, then you can contain them. That’s the plan--containment,” he said.

Carter said the improvement “is a little bit mechanical, and my knees are healthier. The help of Fergy (Joe Ferguson) and (bullpen coach Mark) Cresse has made a difference. They’ve got me working on good mechanics.”

Dodger trainers said Orel Hershiser felt fine Wednesday after throwing a 52-pitch simulated game the previous day. He may announce plans for the next step, which could include a minor league rehabilitation stint, today. . . . Brett Butler, nursing a sore foot, was replaced by Chris Gwynn in the starting lineup Wednesday. Butler cut the big toe on his left foot in a household accident and is listed as day to day. . . . When Tom Glavine shut out the Dodgers Tuesday, they fell to 2-5 against left-handers. . . . Through the first 14 games, Dodger starters had recorded every decision. . . . Darryl Strawberry, batting .213 before Wednesday’s game, has a career average in April of .303.