BASEBALL : DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Hershiser’s Role Is in Jeopardy

There are indications that Orel Hershiser might be facing his final chances to remain in the starting rotation.

While Manager Tom Lasorda said that Hershiser would make at least his next scheduled start Saturday in New York against the Mets, Dodger Vice President Fred Claire said that Hershiser’s situation is under discussion.

“There is concern over his performance (Monday) night,” Claire said after Hershiser gave up three runs in 3 1/3 innings in a 9-8 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.

“Right now we have a situation where the bullpen is being used so early when he pitches. . . . I will meet with Tommy and Perry (pitching coach Ron Perranoski),” Claire said. “Anything is possible.”

Although the Dodgers are 5-4 in games started by Hershiser, he has needed an average of three relief pitchers for each of his nine starts.

His pitch count, which reached a high of 93 June 19, has steadily dropped to a low of 80 Monday. During the four starts in that span, he has an earned-run average of 6.61.

Hershiser said his arm felt good enough Tuesday to play catch on the day after a start for the first time since his comeback.

“It feels so much better today than the day after my first start at Dodger Stadium,” Hershiser said. “I just have to learn to pitch with this new arm, and I know I can do it with normal, everyday work.”

Kal Daniels, who was expected to return to the Dodgers Tuesday, will remain with his seriously ill mother in a Georgia hospital.

Daniels, who has been gone for four games since leaving the team Saturday, is remaining with his mother, Della, on the advice of doctors, who don’t want him to leave until they have learned the results of further medical tests.

Daniels and his two sisters were brought up by their mother, whom Daniels still phones several times a week. He bought a house for her in his hometown of Warner Robins, where he spends much of his time during the winter.

Catcher Mike Scioscia hit and threw for the first time in about a week. He experienced some discomfort but still might return to the lineup Saturday. . . . Relief pitcher Jay Howell threw again and said he felt better. He is not expected to return to the roster until next week’s home stand. . . . While the Dodgers would still like to acquire the Milwaukee Brewers’ Dan Plesac, they are reportedly also considering the Chicago Cubs’ Paul Assenmacher, the New York Yankees’ Lee Guetterman and Doug Jones of the Cleveland Indians.