Bonilla or Beltre? Decision Is Putting Hoffman in Hot Seat

Third base isn’t big enough for Bobby Bonilla and rookie Adrian Beltre, meaning the Dodgers have another problem.

The logjam has been created because team officials recently accepted that Bonilla, 35, can’t play regularly in the outfield. The 13-year veteran acknowledges that he’s lost a step, especially after undergoing off-season surgery on his left Achilles’ tendon.

Bonilla has performed well while starting the last two games at third. He singled in four at-bats in a 1-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday.

But Beltre, 20, has started 42 games at third since his contract was purchased from double-A San Antonio on June 24. He’s the organization’s top prospect, and interim General Manager Tom Lasorda and vice president Ralph Avila are supervising his development.

So, who’s on third?

“We’re just going to take things one day at a time,� Manager Glenn Hoffman said. “Bobby Bo and Adrian are both big parts of our ballclub, and we’re going to need both of them down the stretch.

“They both bring different things to the table, but the bottom line is that both can help us. You never mind having too many of those guys.�

Of course, Hoffman is doing his best to prevent a controversy. The Dodgers have already endured too much turmoil, and Hoffman is trying to keep the peace.

Several veteran players said they would prefer Bonilla in the lineup because of his experience in playoff races.

“Just having a veteran guy like Bobby in the lineup can help pick you up,� right fielder Gary Sheffield said. “Nothing against anybody else, but Bobby has a World Series [championship] ring and he’s been through everything in this game.�

Beltre has been struggling and appears overwhelmed at times.

In 46 games, Beltre is batting .223 (33 for 148) with three home runs and 13 runs batted in. He has struck out 28 times and committed 11 errors.

Bonilla has struggled as well, batting .237 (59 for 249) with six homers and 34 RBIs in 73 games. But the experience factor can’t be ignored.

“That’s not something you can duplicate,� Hoffman said. “That’s why we need Bobby Bo on this team, because he has so much experience.�

*

Eric Young extended his hitting streak to eight games with his game-winning home run in the eighth.

Young is batting .452 (14 for 31) during the streak.

“E.Y. has been swinging the bat as well as anyone on the team the last week,� Bonilla said. “That one was real big tonight.�