BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Hershiser Actually Ahead of Schedule

Orel Hershiser, who hasn’t gone more than seven full innings or 94 pitches in any of his 21 starts this season, could be throwing complete games by the start of next season.

“That would not surprise me,” Dr. Frank Jobe said. “Right now, Orel has a little fatigue beginning in the fourth or fifth innings, but he gets stronger every time. It’s only a matter of time.”

Jobe said that recent studies done on 25 former patients who were minor league pitchers undergoing the same surgery as Hershiser revealed that two years is the average time needed for a full comeback.

“So we actually underestimated when Orel should be back, which makes what he has done even more impressive,” Jobe said.

Hershiser, who has not lost since the Giants defeated him June 25, will start against them Sunday.

Jay Howell has told club officials that he is ready to pitch in a game. . . . Alfredo Griffin did not have much luck fielding ground balls Friday because lateral movement caused him pain. But he said that he was still hoping to play in this weekend’s two day games, in which the warmer weather would help his sore left knee. . . . Some members of the organization are considering making third baseman Dave Hansen a catcher.

Dave Dravecky, former Giant left-hander who underwent amputation of his pitching arm because of cancer, will be honored before today’s game. . . . Mike Felder, Giant outfielder, prepared for this weekend by shaving “Beat L.A.” into the back of his head. . . . Roger Craig, Giant manager, has decided to start Trevor Wilson today and push rookie Bryan Hickerson back to Sunday. “I’m excited, but not nervous,” Hickerson said. “It’s down to the wire, but the pressure is on them, not us.”