Astacio Tops Club’s Wish List

Chairman Bob Daly may face another major payroll decision if the Dodgers need rotation help.

Interim General Manager Dave Wallace and Dan Evans, assistant general manager, are considering acquiring another veteran starter in the absence of injured right-handers Andy Ashby and Darren Dreifort.

Ashby underwent season-ending elbow surgery in June, and a torn elbow ligament could force Dreifort to sit out the remainder of 2001.

Baseball executives said former Dodger Pedro Astacio is the top pitcher on the club’s list.

“We’re looking at a lot of different possibilities,” said Wallace, not commenting specifically on Astacio. “You’re always looking and considering to try to get better.”

The Colorado Rockies are looking to trade Astacio because of payroll concerns, but the right-hander’s salary might even be too high for the free-spending Dodgers.

Astacio makes $6.6 million this season. The Rockies have an option for $9 million in 2002, or a $1-million buyout.

Wallace would need Daly’s approval to add another big contract to the club’s $110-million payroll. Although Daly has been supportive of the baseball-operations staff, he might have reached his limit.

“I am aware of the fact of how difficult a task it can be to acquire [a proven starter],” Manager Jim Tracy said. “I’m not the guy who signs the checks, and that’s none of my my business. If my opinion is asked then obviously, yes, I do have a say so.”

Chan Ho Park increased his streak of quality starts to 14 in Saturday’s 7-3 victory over the San Diego Padres at Qualcomm Stadium. However, Park labored in the eighth inning of a 125-pitch outing and got a no-decision.

“Granted, he was tired,” Tracy said. “But you see so many guys who become dominant pitchers have the capabilities of pitching themselves to your closer more times than not. As a result of that, the win total starts to push itself up.

“But we’ve gotten 14 quality starts in a row out of this guy. Where he’s headed . . . he’s big time headed in the right direction.”

Shortstop Tim Bogar, activated from the disabled list Saturday, suffered a sprained right foot while sliding into second base in the fifth inning. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI exam today at Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood, Tracy said.

ON DECK

Opponent--San Francisco Giants, four games.

Site--Dodger Stadium

Tonight--7

TV--Channel 5 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; Fox Sports Net 2 on Wednesday.

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

Records--Dodgers 44-37, Giants 44-37.

Record vs. Giants--5-4.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ TERRY ADAMS

(3-2, 5.15 ERA)

vs.

GIANTS’ SHAWN ESTES

(7-2, 2.90 ERA)

Update--Adams is 1-1 with a 4.66 earned-run average in three appearances against the Giants this season. The right-hander earned his first victory as a starter in his last outing against San Francisco.

Tuesday, 7 p.m.--Luke Prokopec (6-4, 4.11) vs. Livan Hernandez (6-10, 6.31).

Wednesday, 7 p.m.--Eric Gagne (1-4, 5.88) vs. Kirk Rueter (8-6, 5.03).

Thursday, 7 p.m.--Chan Ho Park (8-5, 2.91) vs. Russ Ortiz (8-5, 3.36).