BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Hollandsworth Out With Injured Thumb

Dodger center fielder Todd Hollandsworth, who had started 23 of the last 24 games, was scratched from the lineup after spraining his right thumb sliding into third base in the seventh inning of Tuesday night’s 4-3 victory over the Cardinals.

Hollandsworth, who was sidelined for two months after breaking a bone in his right hand on May 3, said he sat out the game as a precaution. He’s listed as day to day.

Left fielder Roberto Kelly moved to center field and Billy Ashley started in left field. It was only the fifth game that Ashley has started since the All-Star break.

*

Third baseman Tim Wallach, who has played only two innings in the last eight games because of a lower back injury, said his condition has improved and he hopes to take batting practice before tonight’s game against the Cardinals.

Physical therapist Pat Screnar is encouraged by Wallach’s improvement. “Pain-wise, he’s much more flexible,” Screnar said. “Hopefully he’ll continue to improve.

*

Dodger players are limited to six tickets for tonight’s game against the Cardinals due to increased demand for tickets because Hideo Nomo is pitching. The Dodgers, who have averaged 36,396 fans at home this season, have averaged 41,047 when Nomo pitches.