Dodgers’ Gott Says He Has Got It Back After Working Out

Jim Gott, claiming that he feels more hunger than pain, pitched at the Dodgers’ workout in Dodger Stadium Wednesday and pronounced himself “80% to 85%” recovered from last season’s elbow surgery.

“I feel absolutely no pain, it is unbelievable,” said Gott, one of the new Dodger relievers, after a 12-minute session that is standard for pitchers. “I’m ready to be in a spring training game right now. More than anything, I’m hungry to pitch again, and to show the Dodgers what I can do.”

Gott has not thrown in competition since last April, when he injured his right elbow in the season’s second game while pitching for Pittsburgh against Montreal. The elbow was hurt on a third-strike pitch to Hubie Brooks, now with the Dodgers.

After undergoing surgery on May 12, Gott missed the remainder of the season and became a free agent this winter. The Dodgers signed him despite worries about whether he would be ready for the start of the season. Now, they are worrying less. “I see no problems with him right now, knock on wood,” said bullpen coach Mark Cresse, who has been catching Gott. “It looks like he is finished rehabilitating and ready to go.”

Dodger Notes

A visitor to the workout was former Dodger pitcher Rick Rhoden, who is a free agent. Vice President Fred Claire said Rhoden “is somebody you would have to give consideration to.” . . . Claire said he declined a request for a tryout by former Dodger pitcher Tommy John. . . . Although the Dodgers and outfielder Kal Daniels are set for arbitration Feb. 15, Daniels will probably lower his demand of $700,000 and could settle. Cleveland’s Chris James, a player with similar experience and statistics, recently signed for $560,000. The Dodgers are offering $550,000.