DODGERS NOTEBOOK: HUNDLEY AIMING TO SWITCH HIS SWITCH-HITTING WAYS.

Byline: Matt McHale Staff Writer

When Todd Hundley batted left-handed against Atlanta left-hander Bruce Chen in the fifth inning Saturday night, it marked the beginning of an experiment to move the switch-hitting catcher to the left side only.

Hundley bounced into a force play on a check swing against Chen. But for the final seven weeks of the season he is expected to bat lefty against left-handers.

Hundley, who will probably be rested tonight against Braves left-hander Tom Glavine, discussed the experiment with manager Davey Johnson during a meeting Thursday and received Johnson's blessing.

Hundley has been hampered by soreness in his right wrist, which was surgically repaired several years ago. It has affected his swing and his numbers from the right side. He entered Saturday's game with just four hits in 40 at-bats from the right side. All 17 of his home runs have come from the left.

``We talked about it and I don't see a problem,'' Johnson said. ``It is something I want him to think about, but I don't think he needs to make a decision until spring training.''

Hundley has been monitoring the progress of San Francisco first baseman J.T. Snow, who has played well this season after abandoning switch-hitting.

Two years ago, Johnson managed Roberto Alomar in Baltimore when the Orioles switch-hitting second baseman batted strictly from the right side due to an injury.

``In the case of an injury, I understand,'' Johnson said. ``Robbie did not have a problem with it. But I hope Todd does not give up the idea of switch-hitting altogether.''

Young out: Johnson gave second baseman Eric Young Saturday night off after Young played Friday for the first time in 18 games. Young, sidelined by a variety of leg and ankle problems, reported no discomfort Saturday, but the manager thought it best to ease him back into action.

``I saw him in the whirlpool and he said he was fine,'' Johnson said. ``But I'm sure he was a little stiff. I mean, he hadn't played in almost three weeks.''

Young, who has been derailed by injuries the past two seasons, reached base three times in Friday's 7-3 loss to Atlanta. He also stole his 35th base.

DODGERS vs. FLORIDA

Time: 7:10 p.m. at Dodger Stadium.

TV/Radio: Fox Sports West 2, XTRA-AM (1150), KWKW-AM (1330, Spanish)

Matchup: In the first of three games with the Marlins, Chan Ho Park (6-9, 5.94) faces right-hander Vladimir Nunez (4-5, 3.75). Park has not won this season at Dodger Stadium, going 0-5 in 11 starts with a 6.22 ERA. He is coming off a shaky outing last Wednesday in Montreal, allowing 10 hits, six runs and five walks in 5-2/3 innings but did not figure in the decision. Nunez, converted to a starter after he was acquired from Arizona in the Matt Mantei deal, had a no-decision in his last outing. He allowed nine hits and six runs in five innings last Tuesday against San Francisco. Matchups for the rest of the series: Tuesday (7:10 p.m., Fox Sports West 2) - Mike Judd (1-0, 5.68) vs. Undecided. . . . Wednesday (7:35 p.m., Fox Sports West 2) - Darren Dreifort (9-12, 5.65) vs. Brian Meadows (10-11, 5.37).

- Matt McHale

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BOX: Dodgers vs. Atlanta (see text)