DODGERS REPORT

Tom Lasorda had been trying to acquire another starting pitcher before Valdes was sidelined, hoping to strengthen the rotation for the stretch run in the National League wild-card race.

But because of Valdes’ injury, the interim general manager is willing to trade key veterans to acquire another pitcher, sources said. Second baseman Eric Young is among the players who might be dealt by Friday’s trading deadline if Lasorda receives the right offer.

Lasorda is interested in Toronto Blue Jay right-hander Juan Guzman, a former Dodger prospect, and the Blue Jays are interested in Young, who is on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained right quadriceps muscle. Guzman is 5-12 with a 4.66 earned-run average, and has struck out 110 in 137 innings.

Lasorda is also pursuing left-hander Carlos Perez of the Montreal Expos, and things apparently look good for the Dodgers. Montreal officials are seeking prospects for Perez, who is 7-10 with a 3.75 ERA in 163 1/3 innings.

Second baseman Wilton Guerrero and right-handed reliever Antonio Osuna are coveted by many teams. But Lasorda would only trade the promising young players in blockbuster deals.