Karros, Valdes in Altercation

Dodger first baseman Eric Karros openly ridiculed starter Ismael Valdes in a team meeting Saturday night and later exchanged angry words with Valdes in the shower area that led to a confrontation after the game, according to several Dodgers.

Karros and Valdes refused to comment on the incident, which involved shoves.

According to sources, Karros belittled Valdes during the 35-minute meeting for his pitching performance. Valdes lasted 3 1/3 innings, allowing eight hits and four runs in his worst start in two years.

Valdes reportedly lowered his head and didn’t speak when Karros criticized him for being passive in his performance. He was still seated in front of his locker with his head lowered when reporters were allowed into the clubhouse.

Several players and coaches consoled Valdes, who was already showered and dressed. But when Valdes later stepped into the bathroom area, he and Karros began arguing. Their exchange became heated and relief pitcher Todd Worrell separated the two before any punches were thrown.

“You can’t point fingers like that,” one teammate said, “and you especially don’t want to embarrass anybody in front of your teammates.”

Dodger Manager Bill Russell was apprised of the incident, but did not speak to either player Sunday.

“It happens at some point during the course of every year,” Russell said. “It shows that you care, that they want to get it right. They know that times are tough and when you have frustrations, tempers flare. Sometimes, that happens. Sometimes, that needs to happen.”

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The Dodgers rested center fielder Brett Butler for the first time this season and started Wayne Kirby in his place. “I was pretty gassed after [Saturday] night’s game,” Butler said. “I needed a day off. I remember [Willie] Mays once told me that you should take 10-12 games off a year because you’re going to be worthless for two weeks during the year, anyway.”