BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Butler to Return for 1994 Season

Brett Butler will return in 1994 as the Dodgers’ starting center fielder, a decision that Fred Claire, executive vice president, announced Tuesday. Claire, who had said he would not make a decision about Butler’s $3.5-million option until after the season, called Butler at home Tuesday and asked him to stop by his office.

“I figured it was either one way or the other,” said Butler, who is in the final season of his three-year $10-million contract. “He told me that it was a little risky making the decision now before the season was over, since I could get injured or whatever, but he said the Dodgers think I’m worth it.”

It was clear from the decision that, while the Dodgers continue to move in a direction of youth, they believed prospect Raul Mondesi is not ready. And with the money involved, the Dodgers are not keeping Butler, 36, around as a tutor.

“He’ll help the kids, sure, but he’s our center fielder,” Manager Tom Lasorda said.

Two personnel decisions remain for Claire: Jody Reed, who will be a free agent after this season, and Kevin Gross, who must be offered arbitration or be lost to free agency.

Claire, who has said he wants to keep Reed, talked with Reed’s agent Tuesday and plans to talk with him again this week. Claire also has talked with Gross’ agent but said that decision will probably be delayed. The Dodgers have until five days after the World Series to offer Gross arbitration.

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Darryl Strawberry will resume his workout schedule today at Dodger Stadium or at Centinela Medical Center, Claire said. Strawberry was given Tuesday off, his second since his arrest Saturday night for alleged assault on his girlfriend.

Strawberry will be arraigned Sept. 30. The Dodgers have said that Strawberry’s fate as a Dodger will depend on the outcome of the judicial process. If Strawberry’s girlfriend does not press charges, the district attorney could still prosecute, but that is seldom done.

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The player to be named in the Eric Davis trade is right-handed pitcher John DeSilva, a starter for the Detroit Tigers’ triple-A club. He will report to Los Angeles tonight.