Trade May Be a Luxury They Can’t Afford

Although General Manager Dan Evans continues to work the phones in pursuit of help before Thursday’s non-waiver trading deadline, the Dodgers are not expected to make a major move because of their luxury-tax situation.

With the acquisition of outfielder Jeromy Burnitz from the New York Mets, the Dodgers have little wiggle room remaining under the $117-million tax threshold.

Three general managers who have had discussions with Evans said the Dodgers are intent on toeing the line set by News Corp. -- probably preventing them from acquiring a star-caliber player.

“I don’t ever remember a year when two-thirds of the clubs still feel they have a chance this late,” Evans said. “That’s the great thing about the wild card, but it’s a little frustrating when you’re trying to find a trade partner.”

With the Dodgers all but conceding they’re finished in the National League West, players said they must earn the wild-card berth to salvage the season.

“There’s nothing to be ashamed of if you win the wild card,” right fielder Shawn Green said. “The goal is to make the playoffs, and that’s the way we’re looking at it.”

Regardless of whether Evans completes another deal, the Dodgers believe they’re capable of reaching the playoffs for the first time since 1996.

“We already made one trade, so the rest of it is really up to us,” center fielder Dave Roberts said. “It’s up to us to play better and get the job done.”

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The Dodgers have fixed their rotation to have Hideo Nomo start four times from Aug. 1-18.

Nomo, who along with Kevin Brown has anchored the major leagues’ top staff, is scheduled to start Friday against the Atlanta Braves, Aug. 7 against the Cincinnati Reds, Aug. 12 against the Florida Marlins and Aug. 17 against the Chicago Cubs.

Nomo is 12-8 with a 2.65 earned-run average in 23 starts. The right-hander leads the NL with 163 innings.

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First baseman Fred McGriff recently injured his right knee while recovering from a left groin strain, further delaying his return from the disabled list.

McGriff, who has played in only four games since June 14, injured his knee while doing rehabilitative exercises for his groin, team trainer Stan Johnston said.

There is no timetable for McGriff to begin a rehabilitation assignment, or rejoin the team. Some in the organization believe the injuries might sideline the 17-year veteran for the remainder of the season.

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Reserve infielder Ron Coomer, sidelined by a jaw problem, is scheduled to begin a three-game rehabilitation assignment Thursday at Class-A Vero Beach, Manager Jim Tracy said. If all goes well, Coomer would rejoin the team Sunday in Atlanta. Coomer is batting .210 with a home run and eight runs batted in.... Shortstop Cesar Izturis was unavailable for Tuesday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies because of flu-like symptoms, Tracy said.... The Dodgers recalled utilityman Jason Romano from triple-A Las Vegas after reliever Rodney Myers was designated for assignment.