BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Is the Strike Still Affecting Wallach?

Tim Wallach did not start for the second consecutive game Saturday, adding to speculation that the Dodgers are in the market for a third baseman.

But although the subject has been broached internally in the organization, Fred Claire, executive vice president, said he is not actively pursuing a third baseman.

Claire realizes that Wallach will turn 38 in two months and that there are are no viable candidates within the organization if Wallach does not return in 1996, but said he wants to focus on the club’s needs for this year.

Wallach, who is batting .211 with 11 runs batted in the last 33 games, might be suffering from the effects of the long layoff and the strike. He batted .280 with 23 homers and 78 RBIs last season, but this year has only four homers and 19 RBIs in 53 games.

“I don’t want to make excuses for him,” hitting coach Reggie Smith said, “but I attribute it to his back problems. He was out eight months because of the strike, and then had to spend the spring just trying to rehabilitate his back.

“He won’t deny that he’s near the end, but the thing about Eli is his desire to win. He wants to play in a World Series just one time before he retires.”

Said Wallach: “It’s been very frustrating, but hopefully I’ll get started again. I feel like I get it back for an at-bat or two, but then it’s gone for a couple of days.

“I’d be great if I could make up for it down the stretch.”

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Pitcher Rick Gorecki, scheduled to compete for a starting job in the rotation this season but sidelined instead because of hernia surgery, worked out Saturday in front of the Dodger coaching staff.

“There’s been a lot of frustration, I mean real frustration,” Gorecki said. “I’m starting to come around now, but it’s been a lot slower than I expected it to be.”

Gorecki, who’s on a rehabilitation assignment at Class A Vero Beach, said he plans to pitch in winter ball with hopes of competing for a starting job in 1996.