BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Deals Bring Two Minor League Pitchers

In a move that won’t help the Dodgers in the playoffs but could help them get there, they acquired left-handed pitcher Steve Wilson from the Chicago Cubs Friday for minor league pitcher Jeff Hartsock.

The Dodgers also got what they hope will be insurance by purchasing the contract of right-handed pitcher Mike Christopher from triple-A Albuquerque.

Wilson, who will not be eligible from the playoffs because he is joining the roster after Aug. 31, had no decision and a 4.38 earned-run average in eight games with the Cubs this season. He was 3-8 with a 3.87 ERA in 25 games for triple-A Iowa.

The Dodgers are hoping that Wilson, 26, can regain the form he had in 1989, when he went 8-4 with 65 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings to help the Cubs to the National League East championship.

Hartsock, a right-hander, was 12-6 with a 3.80 earned-run average in 29 games for Albuquerque.

To make room for Wilson on the 40-man roster, Albuquerque outfielder Butch Davis was designated for assignment, meaning he probably will be released.

Christopher, who will be used in emergency situations, was 7-2 with a 2.44 ERA and 16 saves in 63 games for Albuquerque.

The Dodgers tentatively have decided to give Ramon Martinez only three days’ rest after Friday’s game, meaning he will pitch Tuesday in Cincinnati. That will enable their ace to pitch in Sunday’s series finale in Atlanta on four days’ rest.

If Martinez stayed on his normal schedule, he would pitch Wednesday in Houston and miss the series with the Braves.

Because of the change, the Dodgers’ tentative rotation in Atlanta will be Mike Morgan, Tim Belcher and Martinez. They have combined for a 5-1 record against the Braves, giving up 13 earned runs in 55 innings.

The Dodger move counters the juggling done by Braves to get ace Tom Glavine into their rotation for the series.

Orel Hershiser’s next start probably will be delayed another day, to Wednesday, giving him 15 days’ rest between starts.

Hershiser may not really need the time off. He threw well and without pain in a 10-15 minute session off the bullpen mound Friday and said he would have been ready to pitch if the Dodgers had not pushed him back to allow Kevin Gross to have consecutive starts.