Borbon’s Comeback Provides One Bright Spot

The Dodgers have had few success stories during yet another disappointing start this season.

Pedro Borbon’s comeback is high on that list.

The reliever has impressed in his return to the major leagues after rehabilitating from reconstructive elbow surgery in 1996. Borbon has been among the few dependable members of the bullpen, providing Manager Davey Johnson with a viable left-handed option.

“He’s been great,” Johnson said. “I don’t know where we’d be without him. Heck, I don’t even want to think about it.”

Borbon is first among National League relievers with a 1.13 earned-run average and opponents are batting .139 against him, third lowest in the league. Borbon (1-1) is tied with closer Jeff Shaw for the team lead with 23 appearances.

His teammates admire his work.

“The guy has got a lot of guts and a lot of heart,” Kevin Brown said. “He goes right after guys, and after coming off an injury like he is, you have to tip your cap to him.”

A longshot to make the roster out of spring training, Borbon has earned his place by overcoming many obstacles.

“I’m pleased about how everything is going overall--but especially how my arm feels right now,” Borbon said.

“I’m putting up numbers and everything, but more importantly, my arm really feels great. I don’t have to come in and ice [after he pitches]. It’s still early in the season, we’ll see what happens, but I feel confident. I worked hard and feel I deserve it.”

Borbon has worked exceptionally hard.

He suffered a torn medial collateral ligament in his left elbow Aug. 22, 1996, while he was pitching for the Atlanta Braves. Borbon underwent surgery Aug. 30 and sat out the ’97 season while rehabilitating.

Borbon, 31, had been one of the major leagues’ most effective left-handed relievers at the time of his injury. He struggled to regain his form while bouncing around the Brave minor league system last season and Atlanta released him.

The Dodgers signed Borbon on Jan. 11 to a contract that would pay him $375,000 if he made the team. He pitched well in the spring to secure a spot on the roster.

His velocity has gradually increased since and his fastball is now being clocked at 89 mph. That’s as hard as he threw before his injury.

Borbon said he has learned a lot while battling back from the injury.

“I’m not going to shoot myself if I go out and give up five runs because I know that bad days are going to come,” Borbon said. “I’m a perfectionist, but I have to look on the bright side.”

TODAY

DODGERS’ ISMAEL VALDES (5-2, 3.75 ERA)

vs.

PIRATES’ JASON SCHMIDT (4-3, 4.42 ERA)

Three Rivers Stadium, 4 PDT

TV--Fox Sports West 2. Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).

* Update--Valdes earned his fifth victory Thursday against the Cincinnati Reds. The right-hander gave up four hits and two runs in five innings during the 4-3 victory at Cinergy Field. Valdes was forced from the game because of the recurring blister on the tip of the middle finger of his pitching hand. Team trainers continue to treat the blister, cutting the area and draining fluid between Valdes’ starts. The skin on his finger has hardened, so team officials are hoping for the best. Schmidt is scheduled to make his first start in eight days. He was bumped from the rotation for a turn because of a “tired arm.” Schmidt is 1-4 with a 6.85 earned-run average in nine appearances against the Dodgers.