Nomo Is Back Feeling ‘100%’

Pitchers and catchers began workouts Saturday at Dodgertown, and right-hander Hideo Nomo was the focus of attention.

With team officials observing closely, Nomo, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his throwing elbow in October, threw off a mound for about 10 minutes. Throwing from the stretch, Nomo appeared relaxed and didn’t complain of discomfort afterward, pleasing the Dodgers and himself.

“Everything went as planned and I didn’t have any difficulty,” Nomo said through an interpreter. “I haven’t [been timed] on the radar gun so I don’t know how hard I’m throwing, but I feel 100% now.”

Likewise, new pitching coach Glenn Gregson felt good about Nomo.

“There wasn’t any reluctance from him to turn the ball loose, that was the main thing,” said Gregson, formerly the Dodger minor league pitching instructor. “In guys coming off surgery, the first thing I look for is their [facial] expressions. I didn’t see anything to worry about.”

Nomo’s progress is among the biggest issues facing the team. His performance last season was the worst in his three-year career with the Dodgers: 14-12 with a 4.25 earned-run average.

His ERA was more than a full run higher than the previous season, and he struggled throughout the final two months, losing five of nine decisions. Although Nomo pitched 207 1/3 innings and led the Dodgers with 233 strikeouts, his velocity decreased late in the season.

There was speculation that Nomo’s problems were caused by a line drive off the bat of the Philadelphia Phillies’ Scott Rolen in July that struck him on his elbow. Jobe said that the line drive didn’t cause Nomo’s condition, but that it might have caused further “irritation in the elbow.”

Nomo, 29, underwent his rehabilitation program in Japan and resumed throwing from the stretch in January. At the team’s suggestion, Nomo pitched exclusively from the stretch in his final three starts in an attempt to correct his problems. He went 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 21 innings, and might continue the delivery this season.

Dodger physical therapist Pat Screnar said Nomo isn’t under throwing restrictions and didn’t shown signs of problems during his rehabilitation, but he will continue to be monitored daily for precautionary reasons.

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Several notable players were among those who didn’t report Saturday, including pitchers Ismael Valdes and Ramon Martinez, and catcher Mike Piazza.

Valdes’ younger brother recently died in an automobile accident and he was given permission to remain with his family in Mexico, Executive Vice President Fred Claire said. He isn’t expected to arrive until Wednesday or Thursday.

Martinez, sidelined for two months after suffering a small tear in the rotator cuff on his throwing shoulder, remained at his home in the Dominican Republic while paperwork is completed on visas for his family. Claire said Martinez will be in camp Monday.

Piazza simply didn’t come. He may be protesting, however mildly, because the Dodgers aren’t expected to meet his deadline today to agree on a contract extension, meaning they risk losing him in free agency after the season. Manager Bill Russell expects Piazza to arrive today.