Friday, May 11, 2001 | 9:16 a.m.
It was quite a dry spell between triple-A victories for Jesse Orosco.
Something like 20 years, 141 big league wins and two World Series championships.
The 44-year-old left-hander, who last garnered a triple-A win in 1981 while with Tidewater of the International League, picked up the win for the Las Vegas 51s in their 5-3 victory over the Tucson Sidewinders on Thursday afternoon in the triple-digit heat of Cashman Field.
Orosco, the major league record holder for games (1,096) and relief appearances (1,092) who is trying to make it back to the big leagues following surgery on his forearm last July, struck out the side and walked two in his one inning on the mound. In seven appearances with the 51s, he has now pitched 4 2/3 innings and allowed just one hit and no runs while striking out seven.
"I think he can still help a big league club in my opinion," Las Vegas manager Rick Sofield said. "I know people in L.A. are excited about him. He's really your ultimate situational relief pitcher who can come in and get a (Barry) Bonds out, who can get a (Todd) Helton out and get you out of the eighth inning and get you to (Jeff) Shaw or (Mike) Fetters."
Now the question is: How much longer will it be until the Dodgers or another big league team comes calling?
"I feel great and I'm throwing the ball well," Orosco said after his 22-pitch outing. "My arm is feeling very well every day. (Returning to the majors) all depends on how things work out. If a situation opens up, maybe it will work out for me."
After designating 21-year-old Jose Nunez for assignment earlier this week, the Dodger bullpen currently finds itself void of a lefty.
"I would think that if the Dodgers do make a move, they want to make sure Jesse's arm is completely healthy," Sofield said.
So far, so good.
"It went pretty good," Beltre said. "I came here to work on my swing and get my timing. I think I'm swinging the bat pretty good lately."
Beltre flew to Los Angeles after the game and will work out with the Dodgers before tonight's game with Atlanta at Dodger Stadium. He is expected to be activated by the Dodgers on Saturday.
When Beltre does come off the 15-day disabled list, the Dodgers will have to make a roster spot for him. That opens the possibility of a player being sent down to the 51s this weekend.
"I don't know what they're going to do," Las Vegas manager Rick Sofield said. "We could very well get a guy or they could let a guy go. I don't know. No one up there has discussed with me what the possibilities are."
Stocker, 31, hit .197 with no home runs and 16 RBI in 70 games with the Angels last season. The former University of Washington star has a lifetime .254 average in 846 major league games.
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