Hershiser Throws to Hitters for First Time Since Last April

It was only batting practice, and it lasted only six minutes, but Orel Hershiser took another giant step in his shoulder rehabilitation Monday when he faced hitters for the first time in nearly 10 months.

At Dodger Stadium, Hershiser threw 26 pitches to Brett Butler, Chris Gwynn and Dave Hansen. It was the first time he has faced hitters since April 25, 1990, when he was defeated by St. Louis in his last start before undergoing reconstructive shoulder surgery.

Hershiser had earlier said that for him to have a chance at opening the season in the rotation, he needed to face hitters before spring training. After Monday’s performance, there was pleasure in his voice.

“Two goals were accomplished,” he said. “It was neat to throw with a batter up there--it was kind of sentimental being on that Dodger Stadium mound again. The second thing was, it was good to get it done before spring training.”

Said Gwynn: “He was the same old Orel, not giving you anything straight to hit.”

Hershiser says he is still a long way from pitching seven innings in a regulation game. His next step will be throwing 15-20 minutes of batting practice in Vero Beach.

On another front, Dodger management is preparing for a seemingly inevitable arbitrationhearing today with pitcher Tim Belcher, who wants $1.35 million. The Dodgers are offering $900,000.