BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Hershiser Sharp in Simulated Game

Orel Hershiser threw so well Friday in a simulated game, he could be pitching in the minor leagues within 10 days.

Pitching for the first time since suffering a major rehabilitation setback in a simulated game March 15, Hershiser allowed one run and two hits in four innings against Dodger reserves at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium.

Only two of 13 batters hit the ball into the air as Barry Lyons homered and Chris Gwynn singled to center.

If his surgically repaired shoulder feels good today, Hershiser probably will push to pitch in another simulated game early next week. Barring another setback, he could be pitching in games at Class-A Bakersfield or double-A Vero Beach (Fla.) by April 29, when the Dodgers leave on a seven-game East Coast trip.

Since the maximum stay on rehabilitation option is 30 days, that schedule would ensure Hershiser’s return to Dodger roster by the end of May--or sooner.

“I’m really starting to feel like a pitcher again,” Hershiser said. “I can already tell it is different from four weeks ago. Between innings of that game, I needed the rest. Today, I was champing at the bit to get back on the field.

“And back then, I couldn’t wait for the inning to end, I was so tired. Today, I wanted to stay out there and keep pitching.”

Jose Offerman, the Dodgers’ shortstop-in-waiting, has been sidelined at triple-A Albuquerque with a sore back. . . . Today’s starter for the Padres is Andy Benes, who has a career earned-run average of 1.48 against the Dodgers. Benes has allowed 29 hits in 48 2/3 innings against the Dodgers. . . . On Wednesday at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers will give away souvenir bats for the first time since May 3, 1968.