They’re in a Spot With Hershiser

The Orel Hershiser situation has become a problem for the Dodgers, and team officials may be forced to address it soon.

Hershiser has pitched only 5 1/3 innings since being bumped from the rotation April 20. The right-hander has struggled in four relief appearances, going 0-1 with a 15.18 earned-run average. Overall, Hershiser is 1-2 with a 10.70 ERA.

Manager Davey Johnson concedes that Hershiser, 41, is better suited to start, and believes the 17-year veteran would help in the rotation. But the organization is trying to salvage Carlos Perez and is committed to developing rookie right-hander Eric Gagne.

Perez (4-2) has maintained a rotation spot because of his contract--he’s making $5 million this season--and his performance. He has been better than expected in sharing the team lead in victories with Chan Ho Park.

Hershiser, guaranteed $2.5 million under his contract, is occupying a roster spot at a time the club needs room on the 25-man roster because key players are expected to return from the disabled list soon.

Johnson hasn’t used Hershiser since he gave up three hits--including a grand slam--and five runs in one-third of an inning May 9 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. After that game, Hershiser talked about his problems working out of the bullpen.

He has declined to discuss his role since then, saying he doesn’t want the focus on him.

“I would prefer to just be quiet about this situation and let it work out whatever way it does,” Hershiser said. “To state an opinion on the situation would sound like me complaining, or asking for a job.”

Johnson is concerned about Hershiser.

“I have been thinking about it,” Johnson said. “I want to figure out what is the best thing for Orel. I want to use him the way he feels best. That’s Orel Hershiser.”

Pitching coach Claude Osteen has supervised the 204-game winner in bullpen sessions to help him regain his command. Hershiser pitched three innings in a simulated game Saturday, and Johnson wants him to pitch in another.

But that won’t solve the problem.

Hershiser has told team officials his arm feels fine, and he’s ready to contribute. Other clubs could use him, but he’s an insurance policy for the Dodgers.

Chairman Bob Daly values Hershiser’s opinion, and Hershiser has a future in Dodger management. But Hershiser isn’t ready to retire, and the Dodgers acknowledge they have roster problems.

*

As expected, shortstop Alex Cora was optioned to triple-A Albuquerque after Saturday’s 12-6 victory to make room for shortstop Kevin Elster.

Elster had been on the disabled list since May 5 because of a groin injury. Cora played well, batting .297 (11 for 37) with three runs batted in.

Johnson said Cora deserved to remain with the club, but he got caught in a numbers game.

“It’s a tough thing because he proved he can play here,” Johnson said. “He proved to himself and everyone that he’s a big league shortstop.”

“He absolutely proved he can play every day at this level,” first baseman Eric Karros said. “And not just play every day, but also contribute. He was good. Real good.”

Cora understands the situation.

“They had their hands tied,” Cora said. “It’s like I told Tommy [Lasorda], ‘I’ll be upset for two days, but when I report I’ve got to keep pushing.’ ”

Today

DODGERS’

KEVIN BROWN

(2-1, 2.49 ERA)

vs.

MARLINS’

JESUS SANCHEZ

(4-2, 5.98 ERA)

Pro Player Stadium, 10 a.m. PDT.

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

* Update--This is the final game of a four-city, 12-game, 14-day trip--the Dodgers’ longest this season. Brown had a no-decision in Wednesday’s 6-5 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The right-hander gave up three earned runs in six innings. Brown gave up only four runs in his previous four outings before Wednesday. He is 2-1 with a 2.60 ERA in four starts against the Marlins. Sanchez is 3-0 with a 7.06 ERA in seven appearances against the Dodgers. The left-hander leads the National League with four runners picked off.