After a Very Wild Start, Dreifort Shows Big Gains

Catcher Todd Hundley thought pitcher Darren Dreifort had improved from last season when they began working together in spring training.

But Hundley didn’t realize how much until watching Dreifort take command in his last few starts. Dreifort has become a quality big league starter, Hundley said, and he’s on the verge of something big.

“No question about it, he’s the most improved player on this team,” Hundley said. “You can just see it in everything he does out there.

“His command, his approach to hitters, how he handles [jams], everything is better than it was last year. He’s just getting the job done.”

Dreifort, scheduled to start Saturday against the Florida Marlins, is 1-1 with a 2.45 earned-run average, and opponents are batting only .160 against him.

The right-hander walked eight batters in his first start against the New York Mets, but has walked only six in 17 innings since. His strong performance helped the Dodgers while Kevin Brown was on the disabled list because of a broken pinkie finger.

In three starts during that span, Dreifort went 1-0 with a 2.65 ERA in 17 innings. The Dodgers needed quality outings from Dreifort, and he delivered.

“That’s what we expect from Dreif,” pitching coach Claude Osteen said. “The reality is that we need him to continue pitching well, regardless of what everyone else is doing, for us to get to where we want to be.

“Part of what we’re seeing from him is the natural progression of pitching and learning. Part of it is his hard work and ability.”

The Dodgers have never questioned Dreifort’s work ethic and ability, but the hard-thrower’s role has been a discussion topic.

Making Dreifort a reliever has been considered. Manager Davey Johnson wanted him in the bullpen before the Dodgers upgraded that area in the off-season.

Dreifort wants to start, and he took strides last season during his second full season in the rotation. He went 13-13 with a 4.79 ERA, winning five of his last seven starts.

“Last year he struggled a little bit, but he finished real strong,” Hundley said. “Still, it’s a 100% difference even from the way he was throwing at the end of last season. He’s definitely a legit big league starter now.”

Dreifort is pleased with his progress, but won’t go that far.

“I feel more comfortable every time I go out there, and I’m learning more of the right things,” he said. “There’s not an information overload going on, everything is a lot clearer. But I’ve still got a ways to go.”

ON DECK

* Opponent--Florida Marlins, three games.

* Site--Dodger Stadium.

* Today--7 p.m.

* TV--Fox Sports Net 2 every game.

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

* Records--Dodgers 11-10, Marlins 13-10.

* 1999 record vs. Marlins--2-7.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ CARLOS PEREZ (2-1, 5.12 ERA) vs. MARLINS’ BRAD PENNY (3-1, 3.42 ERA)

* Update--Perez is optimistic about his situation for the first time in a long time. The left-hander retained a spot in the rotation after going 2-0 with a 4.09 earned-run average in two starts while Kevin Brown was on the disabled list. The young Marlin pitching staff has been outstanding, playing the biggest role in the surprising club’s fast start. Penny, 21, leads National League rookie pitchers in several categories. The right-hander is making his fifth big league start.

* Saturday, 5 p.m.--Darren Dreifort (1-1, 2.45) vs. Jesus Sanchez (3-0, 4.81).

* Sunday, 1 p.m.--Kevin Brown (1-1, 3.50) vs. Alex Fernandez (3-2, 3.82).

* Tickets--(323) 224-1HIT.