DODGERS REPORT : Dreifort Probably Finished for Season

Still experiencing mild shoulder stiffness, Darren Dreifort probably won’t pitch again this season.

Manager Davey Johnson said Thursday that Dreifort had made his last start of 1999 after watching the right-hander work in the bullpen. Although Dreifort’s discomfort had decreased, he wasn’t able to throw pain-free.

The agreement was that Dreifort had to throw without any problems Thursday to return to the rotation, and he didn’t pass Johnson’s test.

Although Johnson did not rule out Dreifort working a little in relief, the second-year starter said that’s not going to happen either. Rookie left-hander Jeff Williams will remain in the rotation in Dreifort’s place.

“He has missed one start [Monday] and now he’s going to miss another start [Sunday],” Johnson said of Dreifort. “It’s doubtful that at this point and time, after having missed two starts, I would let him [rejoin the rotation].

“With our situation, letting him miss two starts and then start again wouldn’t make sense. The main concern is getting him totally healthy for next season. I’m saying it’s 80% he probably won’t pitch again this year.”

Dreifort pushed the percentage higher, reluctantly acknowledging he probably won’t return to the mound until next season.

He pitched well in the second half to even his record at 13-13 and lower his earned-run average to 4.79. Dreifort was dissatisfied with his performance.

“I had a lot of bad games early,” said Dreifort, who has struck out 140 in 178 2/3 innings. “I feel I didn’t come through in some games we needed.”

*

Johnson gave Raul Mondesi the day off Thursday because the right fielder underwent a lengthy eye examination at UCLA. Mondesi’s left eye has been irritated.

“It’s fine,” Mondesi said. “No problems.”

On Deck

* Opponent--San Diego Padres, three games.

* Site--Dodger Stadium.

* Tonight--7.

* TV--Fox Sports West 2 tonight, Channel 5 Sunday.

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

* Records--Dodgers 72-81, Padres 72-81.

* Record vs. Padres--1-8.

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

Tonight

DODGERS’ KEVIN BROWN

(17-8, 2.98 ERA)

vs.

PADRES’ STERLING HITCHCOCK

(12-12, 4.10 ERA)

* Update--Brown is 7-2 with a 1.74 earned-run average in his last 12 starts and trails only Arizona’s Randy Johnson and Atlanta’s Kevin Millwood in the National League ERA race. He hasn’t fared well against his former ballclub, losing twice to the Padres this season at Qualcomm Stadium. The left-handed Hitchcock has established a career high with 187 strikeouts.

* Saturday, 7 p.m.--Eric Gagne (0-1, 3.18) vs. Woody Williams (10-12, 4.58).

* Sunday, 1 p.m.--Jeff Williams (1-0, 1.29) vs. Buddy Carlyle (1-3, 6.49).