DODGERS NOTEBOOK: GRUDZIELANEK NOT A HIT.

Byline: Matt McHale Daily News Staff Writer

Since he was acquired from Montreal on the July 31 trading deadline, Mark Grudzielanek has been more flip-flop than just a flop.

In four years with the Expos, he was an all-hit, no-field shortstop, with 201 hits in 1996 and a record-tying 54 doubles in 1997. But he also led the majors in errors the past two seasons.

Although he went 2 for 3 against Atlanta on Sunday, he has struggled at the plate since his arrival. In addition to his .237 average as a Dodger, Grudzielanek has an on-base percentage of just .247, which factors in hits and walks with plate appearances.

The club wasn't expecting Grudzielanek to match Mark McGwire's league-leading .472 or even teammate Gary Sheffield's .424.

``From what I've seen, this guy is a hitter,'' third-base coach Joey Amalfitano said. ``I've watched him turn on some pitches and that will translate into home runs. It's a tough time for an adjustment period, but he is in the middle of one.''

Defensively, however, Grudzielanek has been impressive, committing just one error in his first 15 games. Spread out over an entire season, that translates into just over 10 errors.

``Coming here has been an adjustment, I'll admit that,'' Grudzielanek said. ``It seems like there has been a lot of adjustments around here this year.''

And there could be more. Opening Day shortstop Jose Vizcaino, sidelined since severely spraining his right ankle June 20, might be back by Sept. 1. Although Vizcaino is on the Dodgers' weeklong trip to Pittsburgh, Florida and Atlanta, his on-field movements are limited.

``He's made a lot of progress, but there is a lot he still can't do,'' manager Glenn Hoffman said.

Despite Grudzielanek's strong defensive showing, Vizcaino has the better glove and superior range. He has four errors in 67 games. Grudzielanek made 23 in his 105 games with the Expos.

With eight homers and 45 RBI, Grudzielanek has enough offense to play second or third. But Eric Young is the leadoff hitter and had 14 hits in the homestand. Bobby Bonilla is expected to start tonight at third base against Pittsburgh, but the club still wants to see what Adrian Beltre can do.

These are issues that will be juggled during the final six weeks of the season but figured out during the offseason.

Quick hits: Even if this road trip goes poorly and the team drops farther back in the wild-card race, the Dodgers should draw three million fans this season for the 13th time in club history. Through Sunday's game they have drawn 2,321,695 and an average of 39,216 through 60 dates. They would need to average just over 30,000 in the final 21 home dates. They have nine games with San Francisco, New York and San Diego. . . .

Right-hander Ismael Valdes, sidelined since July 27 with a strained left side muscle, will throw tonight in the bullpen here and if all goes well he could face a few batters for the first time. Since the minor-league season has just two weeks to run, Valdes is not expected to get many, if any, rehabilitation starts. He is finally throwing off a mound, however.

DODGERS vs. PITTSBURGH

Time: 4:05 p.m., at Three Rivers Stadium 

TV/Radio: No TV; 1150-AM, KWKW-AM (1330 Spanish).

Matchup: The Dodgers close out the season series against Pittsburgh with two games. The Dodgers are 7-3 against the Pirates, their best record against any club this season. Carlos Perez (7-11, 3.75) faces right-hander Jason Schmidt (9-9, 3.84). The Dodgers defeated Schmidt earlier this season when he was in a string of eight consecutive losses after starting the season 8-1. Perez is winless in three starts as a Dodger. Two were good, but the one against Montreal, his former team, was poor, allowing seven runs in a 9-0 loss Aug. 6. He has struggled with his control, usually a strong part of his game.

- Matt McHale

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BOX: DODGERS vs. PITTSBURGH (see text)