Olson Suffers a Setback

Reliever Gregg Olson expects to be sidelined at least until the beginning of June--and probably longer--after suffering a torn tendon on his right biceps during a rehabilitation assignment.

An MRI exam Thursday in Los Angeles showed that the right-hander has a small tear, extending his time on the disabled list. Olson went on the disabled list April 11 (retroactive to April 9) because of a strained right forearm.

Olson suffered the second injury May 5 while pitching two-thirds of an inning for Class-A San Bernardino. He has been prohibited from playing catch for at least seven days while his tendon heals.

The Dodgers don’t know when Olson will resume throwing off a mound, or resume his rehabilitation work at San Bernardino. The 11-year veteran is concerned and frustrated.

“It’s real frustrating because you get paid to do a job and you can’t do it,” said Olson, who rejoined the team on the trip after being examined by team physician Frank Jobe. “There really hadn’t been a great amount of progress on the first thing, and now [the tendon tear] happens.

“Being around [the team] every day, seeing guys go to work and being unable to help is tough. I believe everything that happens in your life happens for a reason, and that God will take care of everything. I guess it’s just not for me to know the reason [this has happened].”

Olson has had arm problems throughout his career. He was on the disabled list for more than a month in 1993 after suffering a torn elbow ligament, and two months in ’94 because of elbow problems.

He began last season as the Arizona Diamondbacks’ closer, but lost the job after blowing several save opportunities early in the season. The Dodgers signed Olson to a guaranteed two-year, $3.5-million contract in January.

“I was getting some peace of mind from the fact that, up until a week or so ago, the bullpen didn’t need me,” Olson said. “We have a solid core of relievers, but we’re getting hit by some other problems now.”

Right-hander Mike Fetters went on the disabled list Wednesday because of inflammation of his pitching elbow. Moreover, setup man Terry Adams and closer Jeff Shaw struggled during the four-game losing streak that ended Friday.

“Hopefully, I can be back by June 1,” Olson said. “That’s what I’m shooting for, but I really don’t know. Everything I’ve shot for so far has been shot down. I just don’t know.”

*

The Dodgers are trying to reacquire left-hander Pedro Borbon from the Toronto Blue Jays.

General Manager Kevin Malone has offered struggling right-hander Alan Mills for Borbon, who pitched well for the Dodgers last season, but Toronto General Manager Gord Ash wants a left-hander in return.

The Dodgers are trying hard to unload Mills, who has been demoted to mostly mop-up duty. There has been little interest in Mills, who is making $2.25 million this season and is owed $3 million in 2001.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ CHAN HO PARK

(3-3, 5.72 ERA)

vs.

CARDINALS’ RICK ANKIEL

(3-1, 3.25 ERA)

Busch Stadium, 5 p.m. PDT.

TV--Channel 5. Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).

* Update--Manager Davey Johnson has teamed Park with backup catcher Chad Kreuter often. Kreuter has impressed Johnson with his handling of the emotional right-hander. Left-hander Ankiel leads National League rookies in victories and earned-run average.