Crucial Trip Begins With Hollandsworth in Doubt

Things could be better for the Dodgers.

They just completed a 4-3 homestand and now have to play 10 road games in nine days--there’s a doubleheader Monday at Pittsburgh--beginning tonight in New York against the Mets. This isn’t the most comforting news for a team that’s 27-31 away from home and went 5-5 on its last trip.

“It’s another big trip,” Manager Bill Russell said. “You’re more focused on the games this time of year because you need to be. We need to be more focused than ever right now.”

Outfielder Todd Hollandsworth didn’t accompany the team Monday, remaining behind to undergo an MRI exam. Hollandsworth was scheduled to return to the starting lineup Sunday after 15 days on the disabled list because of a broken bone near his right elbow, but he experienced pain during batting practice before Cincinnati’s 5-0 victory. Depending on the results of the examination, Hollandsworth may rejoin the team on the trip.

Dodger physician Frank Jobe will consult with Executive Vice President Fred Claire, who traveled with the team to New York, before a decision is made on Hollandsworth’s return. However, no timetable has been set.

Second baseman Tripp Cromer underwent a second MRI on Monday because the Dodgers are concerned about continuing pain in his right elbow. Cromer has been on the disabled list since July 31.

“We’re missing guys and others have nagging injuries, but you expect that and just have to deal with it,” said Russell, whose team trails the West Division-leading San Francisco Giants by 2 games.

“We need everyone else to pick us up. If the pitching has to take over, then that’s what will have to happen.”

ON DECK

* Opponent--New York Mets, three games.

* Site--Shea Stadium, New York.

* Tonight--4:40 PDT

* TV--KTLA, Channel 5, today and Thursday, ESPN on Wednesday.

* Radio--KABC (790), KWKW (1330).

* Records--Dodgers 67-57, Mets 67-56.

* Record vs. Mets--4-4.

TODAY’S GAME

DODGERS’ ISMAEL VALDES (7-10, 2.76 ERA) vs. METS’ BRIAN BOHANON (3-1, 3.48 ERA)

* Update--This is the start of a key 10-game, three-city trip that also includes three games against the Philadelphia Phillies and four against the Pittsburgh Pirates--there’s a doubleheader Monday. The trip is the Dodgers’ longest remaining road swing of the season. Right-hander Ramon Martinez, on the disabled list since June 15 because of a tear in the rotator cuff of his throwing shoulder, is scheduled to start Wednesday for the first time in more than two months. Valdes won his last start, defeating Montreal on Thursday, 2-1. Bohanon defeated the Dodgers, 2-1, July 23 at Dodger Stadium.

* Wednesday, 4:40 p.m.--Martinez (6-3, 3.42) vs. Bobby Jones (13-7, 3.61).

* Thursday, 4:40 p.m.--Tom Candiotti (9-4, 3.35) vs. Rick Reed (10-6, 2.86).