Hollandsworth Has Been a Big Help Off the Bench

Todd Hollandsworth has played well in place of center fielder Devon White, who has sat out the last six games because of tightness in his right hamstring.

Hollandsworth tripled and singled twice in five at-bats Sunday in a 5-4 loss to St. Louis, scoring the Dodgers’ first run. He also made several nice catches.

The 1996 National League rookie of the year is succeeding in a difficult role, that of reserve outfielder, and Manager Davey Johnson admires Hollandsworth’s approach.

“Holly has really done a good job,” Johnson said. “He’s filled in great for Devo and I know I can count on him. I’ve just got to keep him involved.”

Hollandsworth welcomes the work.

“It can be tough at times,” Hollandsworth said of going from starter to backup. “The at-bats came few and far between at first, and it just makes it a lot harder to get locked in [at the plate].

“I’m a lot more comfortable now because I’m getting out there more, which is only natural. It’s still early, though. The true test will be in a little bit after we get going some more.”

Hollandsworth, batting .294 in 14 games, still believes he should be starting.

“I’m going to do whatever Davey needs me to do for the sake of the team, but in no way, shape or form am I content,” he said. “I want to be out there all the time, and that’s not going to change, so it’s kind of a funny situation.

“If you do well, people might think you’re willing to keep doing it forever. It’s definitely something I have to be careful about.”

ON DECK

* Opponent--Houston Astros, three games.

* Site--Dodger Stadium.

* Tonight--7.

* TV--Fox Sports West 2, every game.

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

* Records--Dodgers 20-17, Astros 23-13.

* 1998 record vs. Astros--6-3.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ CARLOS PEREZ (1-4, 6.23 ERA)

vs.

ASTROS’ JOSE LIMA (6-1, 2.86 ERA)

* Update--The Dodgers lost two of three to the St. Louis Cardinals in the weekend series at Busch Stadium, squandering three-run leads in the final two games. Perez has been the Dodgers’ worst starter. The left-hander is coming off a 10-5 loss to the Chicago Cubs in his previous outing, when he gave up seven hits and six earned runs in six-plus innings. The NL Central Division-leading Astros have the second-best record in the major leagues. Houston’s winning streak ended at five games Sunday in an extra-inning loss to San Francisco.

* Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.--Kevin Brown (4-2, 2.75) vs. Shane Reynolds (6-2, 3.91).

* Thursday, 7 p.m.--Chan Ho Park (3-3, 5.32) vs. Mike Hampton (5-1, 2.80).