DeShields Left With No Answers

The only saving grace in this whole mess, second baseman Delino DeShields said, is that the Dodgers keep on winning.

Yet, at a time when he should be excelling, a time when he should be leading the Dodgers down the pennant stretch, DeShields is floundering.

“It’s gone beyond frustration,” DeShields said. “I don’t know what the word for it is, but it’s more than just frustration. This is the low point of my career.

“I don’t know what it is, but I can’t hit no more. I’ve tried basically everything. I’ve turned into Mark Belanger.

“As [awful] as I’ve been, I’m grateful that they continue to show confidence in me, but I haven’t been holding up my end.”

DeShields, whom the Dodgers undoubtedly will let go as a free agent, has struggled the entire second half and went 0 for 3 Tuesday night. He began the game batting only .178 in the second half with five extra-base hits and nine runs batted in. He grounded into a double play and grounded out in his two at-bats Tuesday, extending his skid to one for 28.

“At least we’re winning games,” DeShields said, “so I’m not going to worry about ‘D.’ Delino will be fine. The biggest thing for me now is just to keep my head in the game, and stay ready mentally.”

DeShields, who again is being bothered by pain in his left leg, but not enough to keep him out of the lineup, said he will evaluate his future in the off-season.

“I know I’m no .225 hitter,” DeShields said. “If this continues, I’m going to have to see what I want to do after this year.”

*

Infielder Juan Castro is sidelined because of a sprained back and is not expected to play again until next week. Castro underwent a bone scan Tuesday, but results were negative. . . . Dodger catcher Mike Piazza extended his career-high hitting streak to 17 games with his first-inning single.