Hershiser’s Looking for More Work

The problem is clear to pitcher Orel Hershiser and the Dodgers, and they know how to correct it.

The struggling right-hander needs to be in the rotation to get sharp, but there isn’t room for him in the five-man group. The Dodgers hope Hershiser adjusts to the bullpen, or at least has fewer outings like the one he had in Tuesday’s 11-7, 12-inning loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

With the Dodgers leading, 7-6, Hershiser gave up five runs--including Damian Miller’s game-winning grand slam. That marked another poor relief appearance for Hershiser, who is 1-2 with a team-high 10.70 earned-run average.

Hershiser met with Chairman Bob Daly, President Bob Graziano, General Manager Kevin Malone and Manager Davey Johnson for about 45 minutes in Johnson’s office Wednesday at Bank One Ballpark. These are difficult days for the 1988 National League Cy Young Award winner, who at 41 is learning a new role.

“It’s my responsibility to get hitters out, to get in a good rhythm, to control the plate, to control my adrenaline rush and to throw strikes,” he said. “Those are things I should execute no matter how much time I [have on the mound].

“Can I come up with a plethora of excuses to explain why that’s not happening? Yes, obviously I can. But I’m not going to do that because that takes the focus off me doing my job. You have to adjust.”

Hershiser is trying, but his pitches aren’t cooperating.

He has experienced command problems since being bumped from the rotation April 21. The 17-year veteran has a 15.18 ERA in four relief appearances.

The Dodgers moved Hershiser to the bullpen because left-hander Carlos Perez has pitched better than expected, and they are committed to developing rookie starter Eric Gagne.

Of course, Hershiser realized he might be the odd man out when he rejoined the organization in December. He signed a one-year, $2-million contract with an option for $2 million next season or a $500,000 buyout.

Hershiser relieved in previous seasons, so he figured he could handle whatever role the Dodgers gave him. But Hershiser hasn’t been in the bullpen this early in recent seasons.

He usually pitched between 150 to 170 innings in the rotation before relieving. Johnson knows Hershiser needs more work, but what’s a handcuffed manager to do?

“It’s frustrating for him because his arm feels great, he’s probably feeling better than he has in a long time, but he can’t get enough work,” Johnson said. “But it’s a Catch-22 for me because someone else has to be going bad for him to get work.

“It’s a luxury for me to have him here and I know that. Everyone needs pitching, and it would be very easy to move him, but as soon as you do that someone else gets hurt. It’s a tough situation.”

Releasing someone in Hershiser’s position is an option, but he isn’t going anywhere, team officials said. Daly values Hershiser’s opinion, and Hershiser has a future in Dodger management.

“I have a lot of confidence in Orel and his ability to make the adjustments,” Malone said. “He’s a big part of this team, and I believe he’s going to get comfortable in this role.”