BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Plesac Gets Another Look From Claire

With Fred Claire’s patience with the Dodger bullpen nearly out, he has renewed serious trade talks with the Milwaukee Brewers for relief pitcher Dan Plesac, sources said.

The trade, which almost was made in spring training, would send some combination of Dodger pitchers to the Brewers--including Mike Hartley and minor leaguers John Wetteland and Jim Neidlinger--in exchange for Milwaukee’s all-time save leader.

Plesac, a left-hander, has seven saves in nine opportunities this season after struggling with shoulder tendinitis earlier in the year. He has 131 saves, including seasons of 14, 23, 30, 33 and 24.

Claire said he may give the bullpen staff a few more days to prove they can fill the role of injured Jay Howell before considering any changes.

The key to the deal is Wetteland, a former top prospect who is thriving as a right-handed reliever at triple-A Albuquerque. He is being groomed to replace Howell next season, but the Dodgers feel that prospect Zak Shinall can perform the same role.

Brett Butler’s 23-game hitting streak ended in the first game Sunday. He walked twice in four plate appearances.

Butler bunted for a single in the third inning of the second game.