Valdes Could Be the Pitcher to Leave

It has been assumed that the Dodgers will trade right-hander Dave Mlicki because they have six starting pitchers for five spots in their rotation.

But Mlicki may not be leaving after all.

The Dodgers are also willing to trade talented, but inconsistent, right-hander Ismael Valdes. General Manager Kevin Malone acknowledged Tuesday at Vero Beach, Fla., that he would consider offers for the 25-year-old Valdes, but stressed he is not trying to move him.

“What we’ve said all along is that we have six starters for only five spots, and we’re looking to move a pitcher,” Malone said. “But we never mentioned who that would be.

“Everyone is just predisposed to us trading Mlicki. What we’ve told [other teams] is to look at our pitchers and get back to us. So there are a lot of things we can do.”

Staff ace Kevin Brown and No. 2 starter Chan Ho Park are the only untouchable pitchers. Malone declined to comment specifically on Valdes’ situation, but one team official said Malone is 90% set on Valdes being with the team this season.

“We have to find out what’s out there,” Malone said. “We have pitching, and if someone wants to talk, I’m willing to listen.”

Valdes is unfazed by the speculation.

“I have no control over that,” he said. “This is where I would like to be, but I will do my best wherever I pitch. All I can do is do my best and whatever happens, happens.”

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Valdes pitched three scoreless innings Tuesday in the Dodgers’ 11-4 split-squad victory over the New York Mets at Port St. Lucie. He gave up one hit, struck out three and gave up a walk. . . . Eric Karros hit a first-inning grand slam against New York starter Masato Yoshii and went two for three with five runs batted in. . . . Todd Hollandsworth also had a big game, going three for five with a two-run homer.

In the other game, Mlicki pitched four strong innings in a 5-3 victory over the Florida Marlins at Viera. He gave up three hits and one run, striking out two and walking two.

Second baseman Eric Young, sidelined because of recurring back stiffness, underwent an MRI Tuesday but results were negative and Young is listed as day to day.