BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : DeShields’ Surge Lets Butler Take a Seat

The recent offensive surge from second baseman Delino DeShields “absolutely” made it easier for the Dodgers to give Brett Butler a rare day out of the starting lineup, according to coach Reggie Smith.

Butler was replaced in center field for only the fifth time this season by Raul Mondesi, with Mitch Webster playing left and Cory Snyder stepping into Mondesi’s regular right-field spot.

DeShields, batting .359 since his return from the disabled list June 20, replaced Butler at the top of the batting order. DeShields was originally slated to bat leadoff when he was acquired in a trade from Montreal last winter before several injuries slowed him from the beginning of spring training.

“Brett wants to play every day, but he was struggling a little, his average was coming down (to .317 before the game), and it’s better for him and the team to recharge the batteries,” Smith said.

Smith said the ideal situation would be for Butler, 36, to take a day off every 10 games or so.

“With a day off here and there, it’ll be easier for him to build it back up,” Smith said. “And he will build it back up.”

When told that he would be out of the lineup, Butler discussed the decision with Manager Tom Lasorda and Smith for 45 minutes “before I said it’s OK,” Butler said.

“Just call it a day off,” Butler said. “A little mental relaxation.”