BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Fassero Surfaces in Trade Talks

The Dodgers have begun trade talks with Montreal in an attempt to acquire left-handed starter Jeff Fassero, according to club sources.

The Dodgers, who haven’t had a left-handed starter since 1992, consider Fassero (10-7, 3.85 ERA) one of the best left-handers in the game.

The Dodgers have scouted Fassero’s last two starts and have six days to consummate a trade before the July 31 deadline.

The Expos, who also are talking with five other clubs, including the first-place Colorado Rockies, have asked for starter Ismael Valdes. Dodgers consider Valdes a virtual untouchable, but the Expos may settle on a group of prospects that includes highly regarded outfielder Karim Garcia of triple-A Albuquerque.

The Dodgers also made their anticipated move to strengthen the bullpen by recalling Antonio Osuna from Albuquerque. He’ll inherit the set-up role for closer Todd Worrell. The Dodgers made room for him by optioning Jose Parra to Albuquerque.

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Shortstop Jose Offerman, depressed about his grandfather’s death Tuesday morning, was unable to start. The move pushed Chad Fonville to shortstop, and provided Delino DeShields his first start on the trip.