Hershiser, Howell Join Dodger Free Agent List

Dodger right-hander Orel Hershiser, who rebounded successfully this year from reconstructive shoulder surgery, filed for free agency Friday.

Relief pitcher Jay Howell also filed, bringing to seven the number of Dodgers who have done so since Monday. First baseman Eddie Murray, second baseman Juan Samuel, shortstop Alfredo Griffin, outfielder Mitch Webster and pitcher Mike Morgan also have filed. That does not prevent the club’s re-signing them.

Hershiser, who underwent surgery on April 27, 1990, started 21 games this season and went 7-2 with a 3.46 earned-run average and no complete games. The Dodgers won 16 of the 21 games he started.

Hershiser, 33, started for the first time on May 29, 13 months and two days after the surgery, and was one of the Dodgers’ most effective starters late in the season.

Before the 1989 season, he signed a three-year, $7.9-million contract, at that time the richest in baseball.

Howell, 35, was 6-5 with a 3.18 ERA and 16 saves in 44 games this season.