DODGERS

The Dodgers, deciding they can’t afford to pass up the opportunity, are expected today to sign third baseman Tim Wallach, providing he clears waivers.

“I’d love to come back,” Wallach said. “It’s the one place I’d like to come. Believe me, it’d be great to be back with the Dodgers again.”

Fred Claire, Dodger executive vice president, said he will telephone Wallach and his agent, Alan Meersand, after 11 a.m. today.

“If he clears [waivers], we’ll talk at that point and see where it heads,” Claire said. “If something were to work out with Tim, that would still necessitate a roster move. That would be difficult.”

The Dodgers are expected to ask Wallach if he is willing to play a few games at Class-A San Bernardino to sharpen his playing skills before returning to the big leagues.

“That would be no problem,” Wallach said, “none at all. I’m hoping it can all be worked out.”

Wallach, who batted .266 with nine homers and 38 runs batted in in 97 games last season for the Dodgers, would provide leadership, experience and insurance for rookie third baseman Mike Busch. His role probably will depend on Busch’s performance.

The Dodgers, who would have to pay Wallach only about $40,000 for the remainder of the season, probably would make room on the roster for Wallach by optioning utility player Chad Fonville to triple-A Albuquerque.

Fonville is batting .217 with 12 RBIs and has become buried on the bench. He has started only one game since July 14, and is hitless in his last 20 at-bats.

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Second baseman Delino DeShields, who has batted .143 with eight errors since the All-tar break, received a pep talk from Claire before the game.

“Delino knows what he has to do,” Claire said. “If anything, he’s trying too hard. He needs to just let his ability come out.”

Said DeShields: “I’m making no excuses. I’m just scuffling. I’ve been taking my offense out on the field with me.”

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The Marlins put first baseman Greg Colbrunn on the 15-day disabled list because of a severely bruised right wrist suffered Tuesday when he was hit by Ismael Valdes’ pitch. He was replaced on the roster by outfielder Billy McMillon, their eighth-round pick in the 1993 draft. . . . Dodger reliever Darren Hall, who underwent elbow surgery April 30, pitched on the side without any difficulty Wednesday and now is scheduled to pitch Friday off the mound for the first time since suffering the injury. He still is hopeful of returning in September.