Hollandsworth Goes on the Trading Block

General Manager Kevin Malone is trying to improve the Dodgers’ leadoff situation before today’s 1 p.m. PDT non-waiver trading deadline, baseball sources said Sunday.

Malone spoke with many teams about multiplayer deals that would involve Todd Hollandsworth, who has struggled platooning in center and atop the batting order with Devon White.

The Dodgers want to use Hollandsworth as the centerpiece of a package to acquire a speedy leadoff batter, enabling them to put White, 37, in a backup role.

White has played well since returning from the disabled list recently, but the Dodgers believe the 14-year veteran might be more productive as a fourth outfielder at this stage of his career.

“I don’t want to comment on any trades that may or may not happen before the deadline, but I will say we’re still trying to get better,” Malone said. “The problem is, as I’ve said all along, is that we’re finding we just don’t have the prospects to make some of the deals we might want to make.”

Manager Davey Johnson wants more speed at the top of the order, and the Dodgers’ weak farm system isn’t providing help. Malone is focused on moving Hollandsworth because the Dodgers also have few options at the major league level.

Hollandsworth--the 1996 National League rookie of the year--has been uncomfortable batting leadoff.

The left-handed batter is batting .234 with eight home runs and 24 runs batted in. He has a poor .314 on-base percentage and 11 stolen bases.

Hollandsworth, making $1.45 million, can become a free agent after the season. The Dodgers are not expected to re-sign Hollandsworth, so Malone hopes to trade him to help upgrade two areas.

Clubs are interested in Hollandsworth despite his performance and contract status, but Malone has been unable to complete a deal because of the minor leaguers he has offered in packages. The Dodgers have few top prospects, and Malone has not been willing to move them even to bolster the 25-man roster in a tight NL West race.

*

Ismael Valdes returns to the mound for the Dodgers today against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium.

“I just want to do my job and help my team,” said Valdes, 2-4 with a 5.37 earned-run average with the Cubs. “I’m very happy to be back with my team, and I want to help us get to the playoffs any way we can. That’s all I care about.”

Johnson is optimistic.

“I can’t remember him having a lot of bad starts [last season],” Johnson said. “I remember when I took over this club, they [team officials] were talking about him as a third or fourth starter stuff-wise.

“Starting the second half, he was my No. 2 starter. I know he can pitch.”

*

Right fielder Shawn Green is batting .279 after going hitless in three at-bats Sunday in the Philadelphia Phillies’ 3-2 victory.

Green, who batted a season-high .339 on June 2, is four for 28 on the trip (.143). He is batting .182 in July.

ON DECK

* Opponent--Pittsburgh Pirates, three games.

* Site--Three Rivers Stadium.

* Tonight--4 PDT.

* TV--Fox Sports Net 2 every game.

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

* Records--Dodgers 55-49, Pirates 45-58.

* Record vs. Pirates--2-1.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ ISMAEL VALDES

(2-4, 5.37 ERA)

vs.

PIRATES’ JOSE SILVA

(7-4, 3.48 ERA)

* Update--Valdes is making the first start of his second Dodger tenure. Valdes, 61-54 with a 3.38 ERA with the Dodgers, earned a win July 23 in his final start for the Cubs. The right-hander gave up two runs in seven innings in a 5-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. Valdes is 4-3 with a 2.80 ERA against the Pirates. Silva has a 2.60 ERA in his last 24 appearances. He is 0-2 with a 9.53 ERA against the Dodgers.

* Tuesday, 4 p.m.--Carlos Perez (4-5, 5.48) vs. Jimmy Anderson (3-5, 4.64).

* Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.--Darren Dreifort (7-7, 4.46) vs. Bronson Arroyo (2-3, 6.38).