BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : They’re in Last, but Karros in Lead

At least there will be one member of the Dodgers involved in a race this fall.

Eric Karros appears to be winning his battle with Moises Alou of the Montreal Expos and Reggie Sanders of the Cincinnati Reds for National League Rookie of the Year honors.

Karros has more home runs (11) and runs batted in (37) than any other NL rookie. And he has had more daily impact than the league’s top rookie pitcher, St. Louis middle reliever Mike Perez (6-1, 1.59 earned-run average).

The Dodgers have not had a rookie of the year since Steve Sax completed their four-season sweep of the award in 1982.

“I’m not even thinking about going for any award right now, I’m still learning the league and trying to help us win,” Karros said.

The next several weeks will be an important time in Karros’ quest for the award because Sanders and Alou are sidelined by injuries.

Brett Butler’s third-inning single was the 1,700 hit of his career. Before the game, Butler met with Fred Claire, vice president, to offer his support. “During the meeting Fred really impressed me by saying, ‘I am not giving up on this season. I will not give up,’ ” Butler said. “That is the way I am. I will never give up.” . . . Mike Sharperson was rested Sunday for the first time since the All-Star game to protect his sore right groin muscle.