BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Astacio Pulled From Starting Rotation

As expected, Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda announced Thursday that struggling pitcher Pedro Astacio (1-6) has been removed from the starting rotation. Astacio, who was scheduled to start Sunday, will be used as a reliever.

“We feel that by putting him in the bullpen he can get his confidence back,” Lasorda said. “Maybe when it’s time he can [start] again because this guy does have good stuff.”

How will Astacio be used?

“Let’s put it this way, he won’t be closer,” Lasorda said. “We want to get him up throwing as much as we can to find his niche again.”

Astacio, who has won only one of his last 20 starts, declined comment on his demotion saying, “I’ll talk to you later.”

Tom Candiotti, who started Wednesday’s 10-1 victory at St. Louis, will start in place of Astacio Sunday, but Lasorda doesn’t plan to employ a four-man rotation.

Pitcher Willie Banks, acquired from the Cubs on Monday, probably will replace Astacio in the Dodger rotation.

Banks hurled a two-inning simulated game Thursday afternoon.

“[Banks] looked real good,” Dave Wallace, Dodger pitching coach, said. “He threw the fastball well and he had a good curveball and changeup. He looked a little rusty because he hasn’t pitched in a while, but it was a good workout. We’ll see how he comes out of it physically.”

Wallace thinks Banks will be ready to pitch in a few days.

“He could be ready Sunday or Monday or maybe Saturday for an inning if we need him,” Wallace said.

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Dodger outfielder Todd Hollandsworth, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list after undergoing surgery to repair a broken bone in his right hand on May 9 at Centinela Hospital Medical Center, hopes to return soon.

“I don’t think it should be too long,” said Hollandsworth, who has been on a rehabilitation assignment with the Dodgers’ San Bernardino minor league team. “It’s gotten better, but it seems like it’s taking its time on me.”