Fateful Spring for Pedro Astacio

Pedro Astacio knows what everyone is thinking: He will be the Dodgers’ fifth starter this season, unless he fails this spring, in which case he just might be traded.

Astacio also knows that he’s too talented to be pitching in middle relief, that few clubs have interest in relievers earning $1.1 million.

“I know this is a big year for me,” said Astacio, 7-8 with a 4.24 earned-run average last season. “They say it’s my job to lose, but that doesn’t mean anything. I remember last year, they told me I’d be back in the rotation, and the next thing I know, I’m watching ESPN and see that they traded for [Kevin] Tapani.

“When I saw that, I say, ‘Oh-oh. I’ve got to wait to next year.’ Now it’s my time.”

Astacio was taken out of the rotation last June, after posting a 1-6 record with a 4.82 ERA in 11 starts.

Astacio, who was 14-9 in 1993 but since has won only 13 games, will be competing with Chan Ho Park, Darren Dreifort, Joey Eischen and Mike Harkey for the fifth starter’s job.

*

Manager Dusty Baker of the San Francisco Giants told Bay Area reporters that he was amused to hear the Dodgers’ boasts about winning the National League West title this season.

“What did the Dodgers say they’re going to do? They’re going to bury everybody?” Baker said. “It’s going to be hard for [Tom] Candiotti to bury you with his knuckleball, isn’t it? We’ll let them talk and we’ll do our own thing.”

*

Center fielder Brett Butler got a scare when he sprained the little finger on his left hand while catching a ball against the fence. The finger was snagged, prompting Dodger officials to schedule a meeting this morning about the safety of the fence. . . . Utility player Chad Fonville signed a one-year contract for about $150,000. Pitchers Eischen and Felix Rodriguez also signed one-year contracts. . . . One day after signing a three-year, $4.3-million contract, rookie of the year Hideo Nomo pitched batting practice for the first time without any difficulties. He threw only fastballs. . . . Second baseman Delino DeShields sat out his second consecutive day because of flu. . . . Manager Tom Lasorda said that shortstop Greg Gagne’s biggest impact on the team could be his range. “The balls that were getting by last year will now be caught,” Lasorda said.