BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT

Veteran outfielder Milt Thompson was released for the first time in his career.

Officially, he is being designated for assignment. The Dodgers have 10 days to trade him, release him or outright him to the minors.

The Dodgers are hoping he’ll accept a minor league assignment, with a promised call-up in September. Yet, Thompson probably will have his agent telephone clubs the next several days and instead try to find someone willing to take his services.

“I had visions of coming here and playing in the World Series,” said Thompson, one of the most popular players on the team, “but you don’t always have storybook endings.”

The Dodgers made the move to make room for shortstop Greg Gagne. He will be activated today and play for the first time since May 17 when he suffered a sprained left ankle.

“I cried doing it,” Manager Tom Lasorda said, “that’s how much I liked the guy. I’ve managed this ballclub for 20 years and he’s one of the nicest guys a manager could ever ask for. He’s what I call a manager’s delight.”

Thompson, who was signed to a $300,000 contract, is batting .118 with one extra-base hit and one run batted in. He has only two hits in 26 at-bats as a pinch-hitter (.077), and the Dodgers decided to instead try Oreste Marrero.

Lasorda called upon Marrero to pinch-hit in the eighth inning Wednesday. Marrero singled to right for his second pinch-hit in three games.

“I don’t want to talk in the past tense,” Thompson said, “but you have to deal with reality. I wasn’t doing the job.”

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Closer Todd Worrell saved all five victories during the Dodgers’ 5-2 trip. During the Dodgers’ last two trips, he has 10 of his league-leading 22 saves.

“It’s crazy,” he said.” It’s just one of those years. I can’t believe it myself. The opportunities just keep coming.”

Worrell’s best work this season, pitching coach Dave Wallace said, is his invaluable role as the leader of the bullpen.

“He’s done a remarkable job with the guys down there,” Wallace said. “He’s shown these guys how to prepare. He’s been a pleasure, an absolute pleasure.”