DODGERS DROP MARTINEZ'S OPTION.

Byline: Matt McHale Daily News Staff Writer

Dodgers ace Ramon Martinez, who underwent career-threatening shoulder surgery last June, will not receive his $5.6 million salary for 1999 but is expected to remain with the organization.

The club on Monday did not exercise its option on next year's contract for Martinez, who is technically a free agent. The Dodgers said they will try to re-sign him at a lower figure.

They also did not pick up the option for veteran outfielder Jim Eisenreich, who would have received $1.4 million. Instead, Eisenreich, 39, will get a $200,000 buyout. Martinez, 30, will receive $500,000.

Eisenreich, who hinted about retiring this past season, now is talking about playing another year, perhaps in Minnesota, where he began his career in 1982.

But Martinez, who pitched a no-hitter in 1995 and struck out 18 in one game during the 20-victory 1990 season, has been the Dodgers' top pitcher for most of his 10 major-league seasons.

He also is the leader of the Dodgers' large Latin contingent and perhaps the most admired member of the team.

``We appreciate and respect Ramon and we need to keep him here,'' Dodgers general manager Kevin Malone said Monday. ``But with no assurances that he will pitch in 1999, it is not fiscally responsible to pick up the option for next season.''

The Dodgers have acknowledged since Martinez went down with a torn rotator cuff last June that his option was a delicate subject.

Martinez's brother, Pedro, who signed a $77.5 million contract last year with Boston after winning the National League Cy Young Award, had talked about Ramon joining him next year with the Red Sox.

But Pedro later said Boston might be a bad fit because its rabid fans would not be sympathetic to Ramon's long rehabilitation.

Dodgers orthopedist Frank Jobe, who repaired extensive muscle and cartilage damage in Martinez's shoulder, said he was optimistic Martinez could resume pitching next June.

Martinez was 7-3 with a 2.83 ERA before the injury. Eisenreich, acquired May 15 from Florida, batted .215 with one homer and 13 RBI with the Dodgers and Marlins.

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Photo

PHOTO RAMON MARTINEZ

He pitched a no-hitter in 1995 and struck out 18 in one game in 1990.