Martinez Looking at Third Strike

Ramon Martinez rejoined the team in Colorado on Thursday after receiving a third opinion about his injured throwing shoulder earlier in the day.

Martinez, who did not accompany the team during its two-game series in San Diego, was examined by sports-injury specialist James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. The Dodgers did not release information about Andrews’ examination and Martinez remained at the team hotel, declining to speak with reporters, but Andrews concurred with two previous recommendations that Martinez undergo season-ending surgery.

Fred Claire, executive vice president, spoke with Martinez at the hotel before Thursday night’s game at Coors Field.

“Ramon has gathered all the information, and now he’s weighing that,” said Claire, who also accompanied the team in San Diego. “He has an important decision to make, and we want to give him the time to make it.”

An MRI exam Monday by team physician Frank Jobe revealed the right-hander has suffered further damage to his injured throwing shoulder. An increased right rotator-cuff tear and cartilage tear were discovered, and surgery was among the options Jobe recommended.

Martinez met Wednesday with Lewis Yocum, the Angels’ team physician, and Yocum supported Jobe’s recommendation that Martinez undergo surgery. The nine-year veteran sought Andrews’ opinion in a final attempt to avoid a procedure that could put his career in jeopardy.

Many pitchers fail to regain their pre-surgery success. Moreover, some fail to return from a grueling rehabilitation process that can last years.

And undergoing surgery now would have immediate financial repercussions for Martinez, who is making $4.3 million this season. The club would decline to exercise the $5.6-million option in his contract for next season, buying it out for $600,000.

Because of what Martinez, 30, has meant to the organization, officials have supported his ongoing efforts to avoid surgery since his initial rotator-cuff tear was revealed last season.

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Longtime Spanish-language broadcaster Jaime Jarrin, who recently was elected to the Hall of Fame, will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A date for the dedication ceremony has not been scheduled.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’

DARREN DREIFORT

(4-6, 3.74 ERA)

vs.

ROCKIES’

PEDRO ASTACIO

(4-8, 6.28 ERA)

Coors Field, 6 p.m. PDT.

TV--Channel 5. Radio--AM 1150, KWKW (1330).

* Update--The Dodgers turned only their third recorded triple play in franchise history in Dreifort’s most recent start last Saturday at Dodger Stadium. But he was the losing pitcher in the Rockies’ 4-2 victory.