BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Judgment Withheld in Strawberry Case

The future of Darryl Strawberry as a Dodger since his arrest Saturday on suspicion of spousal abuse will depend on what is decided through the judicial system, according to Fred Claire, executive vice president.

What is clear, however, is that if Strawberry is convicted of assaulting his girlfriend, which is a felony, the club will sever ties with the outfielder by trying to void his contract. After this season, Strawberry has two years remaining on his five-year, $20.25-million contract, of which all but $8 million has been paid.

In addition to the good-conduct clause in a player’s standard contract, Claire said Strawberry’s agreement with the Dodgers carries an addendum in the guarantee portion that contains an additional clause for good behavior. But Claire would not be specific about the clause. In the past, clubs have not met with success trying to invoke the standard good conduct clause to void a contract, but the Dodgers’ addendum might prove the final blow for Strawberry.

Strawberry, with permission from Claire, did not show up for Monday’s game. Claire said that Strawberry needed some time to get his thoughts together, and the club seems to need some time as well. Claire will decide after talking with Strawberry today whether he will continue his rehabilitation program for his surgically-repaired back at Dodger Stadium or elsewhere.

In a statement issued before the game, Claire said that the club is extremely disappointed that Strawberry continues to be the subject of controversy. But Claire said that Strawberry should be given the opportunity to address the allegations of misconduct that have been made against him before the club takes action.

Strawberry was arrested Saturday at his home in Glendale after assaulting his girlfriend during a domestic dispute, according to Glendale police. Strawberry’s girlfriend, whom police would not identify, suffered a one-inch laceration above her right eye and was treated at Verdugo Hills Hospital in Glendale.

Strawberry swung a bat for the first time since June 16 a couple of weeks ago and was taking batting practice regularly. He was on course to play in the Fall Instructional League in Arizona.

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Down in the clubhouse, the corner where the lockers of Strawberry and former Dodger Eric Davis are located was quiet Monday. Davis’ locker has been given to outfielder Billy Ashley, one of six players recalled from triple-A Albuquerque Monday and a probable candidate to make the team next season. . . . The Dodgers are expected to announce today that they will receive minor league left-hander Frank Gonzales from the Detroit Tigers for Davis, who was traded last week.