BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Wallach’s Return May Come Sooner

Third baseman Tim Wallach, advised two weeks ago that he should have season-ending reconstructive knee surgery, instead is making such strides in rehabilitation that he could return to the starting lineup within a week to 10 days.

Wallach fielded ground balls and took batting practice for the first time Friday.

“I feel great about it,” said Wallach, who practiced with a brace on his left knee without complications. “I’m a lot further along than anyone thought I’d be.

“I’m confident I’ll be back.”

Wallach has been rehabilitating his knee three hours a day. He suffered a torn posterior cruciate ligament Aug. 26.

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Hideo Nomo, who went to a manicurist Thursday and had an acrylic “wrap” put on his right middle finger for his cracked fingernail, will have his next start delayed until Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs. He then is scheduled to be off for another week until pitching again Sept. 19 against the San Francisco Giants.

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Raul Mondesi suffered a strained upper back during batting practice and was scratched from the lineup. Mondesi is expected to return to the lineup by Sunday. He was replaced by rookie Karim Garcia, who had his first major league hit in the second inning.