BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : DODGERS : Hershiser Says He’s Bearing Down

It might be that Orel Hershiser is about ready to emerge from his slump. Hershiser, who has been hammered lately and is 0-4 in his last six starts, will face left-hander Bryan Hickerson in the second game of the series with the Giants.

“Because I’ve had problems lately, I have worked extra hard on my mechanics between starts,” Hershiser said. “I may not turn around all of a sudden, but I think I’m heading in the right direction.”

The Giants, who have suffered one disaster after another with their pitching, are again without their best starter, Bill Swift. Swift, who has a groin injury, was supposed to face Hershiser. With Swift hurting, Hickerson, who has been in the bullpen the last three weeks, is 2-6.

The Giants have five players on the disabled list, three of them pitchers. Mark Portugal might return Saturday, but Kevin Rogers has a blood clot in his shoulder and Trevor Wilson, because of shoulder surgery, is out for the season.

Jim Gott, who had his appendix removed June 9 in Chicago, pitched on the sideline before the game. Trainer Bill Buhler said it would be more than a week before the relief pitcher is ready to return.