Strawberry’s Status in Doubt as He Goes on Special Waivers

The Dodgers placed Darryl Strawberry on special waivers, the club’s latest attempt to generate market interest in the controversial outfielder. It is a move that could also lead to his removal from the roster by minor league assignment or release, sources said.

Fred Claire, the club’s executive vice president, refused comment Monday. Strawberry’s agent, Eric Goldschmidt, did not return messages. A National League general manager who asked not to be identified, said: “I read it only one way: they’re trying to dump him.”

With attempts to trade Strawberry having failed, the Dodgers asked for special waivers, which are the same as outright waivers, on Friday. Other clubs have 72 business hours to claim him for $20,000. That period ends tonight.

It is unlikely he will be claimed because the new club would have to pick up the $8 million Strawberry is still owed on the final two years of his contract. That is a significant risk considering he has missed much of the last two years because of back problems.

If Strawberry is not claimed, he and the Dodgers have several options.

--He can be offered free agency, but his contract would no longer be in effect, meaning he would lose the $8 million. It’s an offer Strawberry would probably refuse.

--He can be assigned to the minors, with his contract still in effect, but as a veteran of five or more major league seasons he can reject that assignment.

--If he rejects it, the Dodgers can simply keep him on their roster and either continue attempts to trade him or consider him part of the team. They also can ask for unconditional waivers for the purpose of releasing him, in which case they would still be responsible for his contract, and another club could sign him for the major league minimum of $109,000.