Dodgers Don’t Exercise Option on Martinez

Dodger pitcher Ramon Martinez figured the ballclub wouldn’t exercise his contract option for next season when he underwent season-ending surgery on his throwing shoulder this season.

He was right.

The Dodgers made it official Monday, announcing they were exercising neither Martinez’s $5.6-million option nor outfielder Jim Eisenreich’s $1.4-million option.

The club bought out Martinez’s contract for $600,000, and Eisenreich’s for $200,000, making Martinez and Eisenreich free agents. The Dodgers, however, are hoping to re-sign Martinez, who may not be able to pitch next season, to a performance contract.

Martinez, a nine-year veteran who has been the club’s ace in recent seasons, went 7-3 with a 2.83 earned-run average in 15 starts before his surgery. The right-hander, 30, had rotator cuff and cartilage tears.

Martinez is among the most respected players in the clubhouse.

“This is the first step in the process toward doing the right thing,” General Manager Kevin Malone said. “With the uncertainty about Ramon’s status for next season, it just wasn’t in the best financial interest of the Dodgers to commit $5.6 million.

“But we want to keep Ramon with the Dodgers. We hope to have him here long term, but we have to see what can be worked out.”

Eisenreich, 39, struggled after he was acquired from the Florida Marlins in the seven-player Mike Piazza trade May 15. In 105 games overall, Eisenreich batted .215 with one home run and 13 runs batted in.

He is not expected to return.