
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, April 28, 1990                   TAG: 9004280257
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES                                LENGTH: Short

HERSHISER SHOULD RETURN BY '91 SEASON

Orel Hershiser, one of baseball's best pitchers since the mid-1980s, underwent extensive surgery on his right shoulder Friday and will be sidelined for the rest of the season.

Dr. Frank Jobe, who performed the surgery, said the injury was more serious than previously thought, but that Hershiser should be able to return by the start of next season.

Jobe said it was determined through arthroscopic surgery that Hershiser's shoulder required reconstruction of the anterior capsule and tightening of ligaments.

"Initially, there were certain things on the MRI [magnetic resonance imaging] study that were obvious and that's what led us to do the surgery," Jobe said at a news conference at Dodger Stadium before the Cubs-Dodgers game Friday night.

"We did the arthroscope exam and we were able to see what the inside of the joint looks like. Then we found more damage than was present on the MRI, so that made the decision almost mandatory to reconstruct it and clean out the joint."

The surgeries lasted 3 1/2 hours and Hershiser is expected to remain hospitalized for two days, said Mike Williams, the Dodgers' director of publicity.

Although rehabilitation will begin immediately, the right-hander won't be able to throw a ball for at least four months, Jobe said.

by CNB