Valdes Learning the Hard Way How to Deal With Frustration of Losing

Ismael Valdes has become accustomed to being disappointed after pitching well.

He lost to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, 2-1. The game followed a familiar pattern for Valdes (1-3), who gave up only two runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Valdes’ 2.65 earned-run average last season was the fourth best in the National League, but he was 10-11.

“It’s frustrating to me, but what can I do about it?” said Valdes, who struck out six and walked one.

“Why should I be mad? I did my best to keep my team in the game, and that’s all I can do. It’s just part of baseball.”

Valdes said he used to become upset when he didn’t win, but he has learned to handle things better with maturity.

“It’s my fourth year now, and you learn a lot in this game,” he said. “You learn a lot from your teammates and from your coaches.

“The best thing I can do is just forget about what happened, and get ready for my next start.

“I have to be prepared for my next start, because that’s how I can help my team.”

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Thomas Howard had one hit in his previous 18 at-bats (.056) before doubling to left against Cub closer Rod Beck with one out in the ninth.

“I felt like I had lost my aggressiveness at the plate, that I couldn’t get anything going,” Howard said. “But you always have to try to stay in the right frame of mind.

“You just have to stay positive and keep working hard. You never know when you’re going to get called on.”

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With two out and runners on first and second in the sixth, the Cubs surprised Dodger Manager Bill Russell by pitching to Mike Piazza.

Piazza flied out to right against starter Jeremi Gonzalez.

“I didn’t think they would,” Russell said. “But Gonzalez made a big pitch to get Piazza.”

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First baseman Eric Karros began his rehabilitation assignment at Class-A San Bernardino on Sunday.

Karros, sidelined since March 24 after undergoing arthroscopic left knee surgery, played six innings and went hitless in three at-bats against Rancho Cucamonga.

He reached base on an error.

Russell gave rookie first baseman Paul Konerko the day off. Konerko has been struggling, batting .220.