BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Reliever Wilson Is Released

Dodger left-handed reliever Steve Wilson was released Tuesday after clearing waivers.

Wilson, 29, had never equaled the success he had in helping the Dodgers down the stretch in 1991. After the Dodgers had claimed him on waivers that September from the Chicago Cubs, Wilson did not give up a run and yielded only one hit in 11 games, a total of 8.1 innings. But he faltered early during the 1992 season and lost confidence, as did Manager Tom Lasorda.

Wilson struggled as a starter at triple-A Albuquerque last season before suffering torn knee cartilage. He pitched well in winter ball and was average this spring, but left-handed reliever Gary Wayne has pitched 11 scoreless innings in eight appearances and taken the lead for the spot in the bullpen.

The Dodgers will pay Wilson $88,525 of his non-guaranteed $360,000 contract.

*

Pedro Astacio never really had a chance in Tuesday’s exhibition against the Atlanta Braves at West Palm Beach. Raul Mondesi dropped a fly ball and Dave Hansen booted another play in the first inning before Astacio gave up a triple and three singles, falling behind, 5-0. The game was stopped in the top of the eighth inning because of rain, with the Braves winning 9-1. . . . Chan Ho Park and Darren Dreifort are both expected to make the trip to Los Angeles when camp breaks next week.