Strawberry Describes Swings as Pain-Free

There was a time, if only fleeting, when Darryl Strawberry had doubts about rebounding from his back surgery. But Monday morning at Dodger Stadium, when Strawberry swung a bat for the first time since September, his thoughts were positive.

It was Strawberry’s first appearance at the club’s winter workouts, and he spent some time in the outfield before taking his turn at bat. He swung freely and said afterward that there had been no pain.

“After I had surgery, I couldn’t walk and I figured this was it,” Strawberry said. “I had to be patient about . . . the rehabilitation, because I have never been through anything like this before. But I was determined. After suffering the loss of a season, the determination to come back was strong. I started thinking about how I can reach some big goals, like hitting 500 home runs. Not this year of course, but I’ll reach 300 this season.”

He has 285 home runs, but after averaging 31 and playing in 140 games the previous eight seasons, Strawberry hit only five in 43 games last season. His back began to pain him last May, and doctors found a a herniated disk protruding on a nerve. Efforts to rehabilitate his back with therapy failed, and he had surgery in September.

“I think the team has made big improvements since last season,” Strawberry said. “We have filled some holes and the players are determined. All players play a big part in the team, but if Eric (Davis) and I do our part, we can each hit 30-35 home runs and knock in 100 runs, like I know we are capable of doing.”