Hershiser Expecting Big Things Today

Orel Hershiser is accustomed to pitching in big games, doing some of his best work during the playoffs and World Series.

A championship won’t be at stake today when the right-hander faces the Cincinnati Reds in the Dodger Stadium opener, but Hershiser said the assignment is special for him.

“There are lots of moments in an athlete’s career when you know, prior to an event, that something is big,” said Hershiser, who lost to the Montreal Expos in his first outing of the season. “You hope that you can perform in those situations, you dream you can perform.

“If you do, it’s great, it’s a dream come true. If not, that’s part of the risk of being a professional athlete. It’s a double-edged sword.”

One Hershiser, 41, welcomes.

The 17-year veteran is scheduled to start for the Dodgers at the stadium for the first time since leaving after the ’94 season.

Hershiser helped the club win the ’88 World Series championship while being selected the National League Cy Young Award winner. The Dodgers haven’t won a playoff game since that season.

The symbolism of today’s game isn’t lost on Hershiser.

“It’s significant for a lot of reasons,” the right-hander said. “It’s significant because of the new [century], the restoration of Dodger Stadium, the first game of [Chairman Bob Daly’s tenure] and me coming back,” he said. “It’s like coming full circle.”

*

Manager Davey Johnson said left-hander Onan Masaoka might be optioned to triple-A Albuquerque soon.

The second-year reliever has struggled during four appearances, giving up three earned runs in four innings.

“I’m not real pleased with how he’s throwing,” Johnson said. “He’s not throwing like he did when he was going good last year.

“We might send him down, to start once or twice, to get him stretched out [build arm strength]. That’s one option.”

If Masaoka is demoted, left-hander Carlos Perez might get another reprieve. The Dodgers planned to option the struggling pitcher after he started Thursday’s game.

However, Perez might remain on the 25-man roster, and in the rotation, until right-hander Kevin Brown returns. Brown (broken pinky finger) is eligible to be activated from the disabled list April 24.

*

Carole King will sing the national anthem at today’s opener, and Duke Snider will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

During the pregame ceremony, right fielder Shawn Green will be presented with the ’99 Gold Glove Award he won as a member of the Blue Jays.

The gates will open at 10:40 a.m.

ON DECK

* Opponent--Cincinnati Reds, three games.

* Site--Dodger Stadium.

* Today--1 p.m.

* TV--Channel 5 today, Fox Sports Net 2 on Saturday and Sunday.

* Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).

* Records--Dodgers 6-3, Reds 4-5.

* 1999 record vs. Reds--3-4.

TODAY

DODGERS’

OREL HERSHISER

(0-0, 7.20 ERA)

vs.

REDS’

ROB BELL

(0-0, 1.29)

* Update--Rookie right-hander Eric Gagne will join the team today and is expected to start Saturday. Johnson wanted left-hander Jeff Williams to start against the Reds, but Williams was needed to pitch in Thursday’s 6-5, rain-suspended victory. Either Masaoka or Perez will be optioned to make room for Gagne on the 25-man roster. The Dodgers might also recall pitcher Mike Judd from Albuquerque soon to audition for the rotation, Johnson said. “I want some of these young arms to get back in the action,” he said. “Given our situation [with Brown sidelined], it’s imperative. It’s like, ‘OK, boys, let’s go.’ We need to see who’s going to step up.”

* Saturday, 5 p.m.--Eric Gagne (1-1, 2.10 in 1999) vs. Denny Neagle (0-0, 5.40).

* Sunday, 1 p.m.--Chan Ho Park (2-0, 4.50) vs. Steve Parris (0-2, 10.00).