Glaus downplays rumors of trade

Born in Tarzana, raised in Carlsbad, an All-American at UCLA and a World Series MVP for the Angels, Troy Glaus is an All-Star third baseman with the Toronto Blue Jays who would seem a perfect trade target for the Dodgers in their attempt to resolve their revolving door at third base.

For weeks, there has been speculation about Glaus’ availability, so his arrival at Dodger Stadium on Friday night for a three-game series figures to fuel interest on future scenarios.

“They’re rumors,” Glaus said with a smile. “It’s people speculating on what and when, and until something happens, you don’t worry about it. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. It’s nice to know people still want you, but the only thing I can concern myself with is what’s going on here and trying to win.”

Glaus, 30, came in hitting .277 with eight home runs and 25 runs batted in. He hit 38 home runs last season. He was on the disabled list this season for a bone spur in his left foot. He has a $10.75-million contract for this season, will be paid $12.75 million next season and has an option for $11.25 million in 2009. He also gets to approve any trade.

Dodgers Manager Grady Little wasn’t interested in joining the speculation game about Glaus.

“All I know about Troy Glaus is he’s a guy in the lineup we have to get out tonight,” he said.

Glaus has moved his permanent residence to New Jersey, but his ties to Southern California remain strong.

“It’s always home,” he said. “I spent the first 27 years of my life here. It’s always nice to come back.”

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A beaming Matt Kemp was on the field before Friday night’s game after being recalled from triple-A Las Vegas, and Little said Kemp would get his share of playing time in the outfield.

“We feel he can make a difference,” Little said. “He’s been playing awful well in triple A.”

Said Kemp: “I didn’t come here to sit down. I came here to help the team win.”

Kemp was batting .329 with four home runs and had a 14-game hitting streak ended Thursday.

Infielder Ramon Martinez was put on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to Monday because of a sore back to make room for Kemp.

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The Dodgers ended up making 40 selections over 39 rounds in the amateur draft. Among the notable selections by the Dodgers on the second day were UC Riverside shortstop Jaime Pedroza in the ninth round, USC closer Paul Koss in the 11th round, Cal State Fullerton catcher Matt Wallach, son of former Dodger Tim Wallach, in the 22nd round, and Pasadena Poly left-handed pitcher Rob Rasmussen in the 27th round.

The Dodgers also drafted an outfielder from France, Joris Bert, in the 19th round.

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The Dodgers have passed the 3-million mark in tickets sold for 2007. Last season, 3.76 million tickets were sold.... The Hollywood Stars Game, featuring television and film stars, will be played today at 5:15 p.m. Fans will be allowed to watch from Dodger Stadium’s outfield grass and warning track.

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eric.sondheimer@latimes.com