Malone Values Valdes’ Efforts

The numbers don’t tell the whole story.

Ismael Valdes has been the Dodgers’ most consistent starting pitcher this season, displaying mettle many said the young right-hander didn’t have. Valdes’ pitching has been among the few bright spots in an otherwise bleak season. His 3.33 earned-run average is the staff low.

Even so, some observers view Valdes, who turns 26 on Aug. 21, as part of the problem because his record is only 8-9. Some still believe he’s the same-old Valdes, who had the reputation of not being mentally tough enough to win big games.

The Dodgers’ Kevin Malone begs to differ.

“No, Ismael has been great for us,” the general manager said. “A lot of people told me things about Ismael when I came here. A lot of people said that I would be very frustrated with him. No one questioned his stuff, but they told me . . . they questioned his toughness. But after watching Ismael work this year, I have no questions about him at all. This guy battles out there.

“He takes the ball and he goes out and gives us everything he has every start. Some people might look at his record and think he’s not getting the job done, but he’s not one of the problems. We just haven’t given him enough support most of the time. But he’s not letting that get him down. Ismael has given us a chance to win almost every time he pitches.”

Outsiders have noticed too.

Valdes was the Dodger player other general managers pursued most before Saturday’s non-waiver trading deadline.

“Believe me, it’s no secret how good this guy is, and how much better he can become,” Malone said. “A lot of teams want him, but we want him here.”

ON DECK

* Opponent--Houston Astros, three games.

* Site--Astrodome, Houston.

* Tonight--5 PDT.

* TV--Channel 5 tonight, Fox Sports West 2 on Wednesday.

* Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).

* Records--Dodgers 46-59, Astros 64-42.

* Record vs. Astros--1-2.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ DARREN DREIFORT (8-10, 5.77 ERA) vs. ASTROS’ MIKE HAMPTON (14-3, 3.05 ERA)

* Update--This three-game series starts the Dodgers’ longest trip this season, an 11-day, 10-game, three-city journey that also has stops in New York and Montreal. And with things going so poorly for the Dodgers, this is no time for them to play the Central Division-leading Astros and the red-hot Mets. The Astro rotation has more victories than any other in the major leagues. In New York, Mike Piazza and Roger Cedeno are eager to face their old team. And even though the Expos are last in the East, the Dodgers usually don’t play well at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium.

* Wednesday, 5 p.m.--Kevin Brown (11-6, 3.33) vs. Chris Holt (2-10, 4.66).

* Thursday, 10:30 a.m.--Ismael Valdes (8-9, 3.33) vs. Shane Reynolds (13-7, 3.71).