Dodgers Sign Kevin Gross for Three Years

Right-hander Kevin Gross on Monday signed a three-year deal with the Dodgers.

Gross, a free agent, was 9-12 with a 4.57 earned-run average in 31 games with Montreal in 1990.

Financial figures of Gross’ contract were not disclosed by the club, but it is believed to be $7 million over the three years.

The Expos moved Gross to the bullpen after he got off to a slow start and he wasn’t happy with the shift even though it was only for five games. He filed for free agency and made it known he wasn’t interested in going back to Montreal.

“We feel that Kevin adds a great deal of talent and experience to our starting pitching rotation,” Dodger General Manager Fred Claire said. “Kevin is a pitcher who has averaged 200 innings a season over the past six years and we feel he has the ability to be a winning pitcher and a major contributor.”

Gross, 29, was traded to Montreal by Philadelphia before the 1989 season for Floyd Youmans and Jeff Parrett.

While a member of the Phillies, Gross was suspended for 10 days when umpires found a tack in his glove. Gross, 80-90 lifetime with a 4.02 ERA, won a career-high 15 games for the Phillies in 1985. He was a member of the 1988 All-Star team.

This season, Gross gave up 171 hits in 163 1/3 innings and opponents hit .273 against him.

“We want to make him believe that he’s a winner and an important part of our express to the championship,” Dodger Manager Tom Lasorda said.

The Dodgers’ rotation currently figures to be Orel Hershiser (when he is recovered from surgery), Ramon Martinez, Tim Belcher and Gross--all right-handers.