Butler May Be an Inspiration

Outfielder Brett Butler, recovering from surgery for throat cancer, hopes to join the Dodgers on their next trip, beginning Aug. 27 in Montreal.

Butler, who has been undergoing extensive workouts in New Orleans, feels he could be ready to play a week later.

“I don’t know if he is ever going to play,” Manager Bill Russell said, “but just working out with us would be great. What an inspiration that would be after what he’s gone through.”

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Farewell tours are normally conducted on a sports star’s final trip around the league. But because Tom Lasorda’s retirement came without warning, he is now engaged in a mini-tour.

Lasorda was honored in St. Louis Thursday night before the Dodger-Cardinal game.

There are also plans to honor him in Montreal, New York and Philadelphia. He will be given a tribute in Chicago after the season.

Closer to home, Lasorda will be honored at Dodger Stadium Sept. 7, and by the California Senate in Sacramento.

“It all makes me feel 10 feet tall,” Lasorda said. “I can’t even find words to describe my emotions. Since I got sick, millions around the country have been concerned. I’ve had so many prayers said for me, when I go, I’m going straight up.”

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With Mike Piazza resting, Russell shook up the lineup, moving Todd Hollandsworth from leadoff to Piazza’s No. 3 spot and Delino DeShields to leadoff. Between them, Hollandsworth and DeShields went 1 for 10.