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Encarnacion out until at least Sunday
Saturday, June 28, 2008
CLEVELAND — Edwin Encarnacion missed his fourth straight start Friday, June 27, with lower back spasms and is gritting his teeth to get back, but manager Dusty Baker said, "I'm guessing he won't be back until Sunday.
"He says he feels better, but he still feels it and that's not under competition. He hasn't faced a real good fastball where he has to rotate," Baker added. "He'll probably tell me he's ready, but I'm guessing Sunday. Whatever they tell me I usually add a day or two."
When Encarnacion comes back, Baker has to figure a way to play or rotate Jeff Keppinger, Jerry Hairston Jr. and Encarnacion at shortstop and third base.
"I have to figure that out, but that's part of my job, part of the challenge," Baker said.
Scout criticizes Bailey
A major-league scout saw Homer Bailey pitch in Louisville last week and said, "He was throwing 94 miles an hour batting practice fastballs. No movement. Gave up 10 hits, some to guys in the lineup who can't hit.
"Then he said in the paper the next day that he thought he pitched good," the scout said.
Fogg pitches complete game
Pitcher Josh Fogg made his first rehab start for Class AAA Louisville Thursday and pitched a complete game, although he lost after giving up four runs (three earned) and 10 hits.
"I told him I wanted him to have two starts at Triple-A, with better competition, then we'll make a decision," said Baker. Fogg's first three rehab starts were for Class A Sarasota to test his back spasms. His 30-day rehab limit doesn't expire for another two weeks.
Griffey in right
Ken Griffey Jr. was checking Friday's lineup card when trainer Mark Mann said over his shoulder, "Vacation's over. Back on the field."
Griffey swung his head back and forth and said, "I think my neck hurts."
Actually, after DHing for six straight games, Griffey told Baker he doesn't like the job and prefers playing in the field. So Griffey was back in right field Friday and will be there tonight, too.
Adam Dunn was Friday's designated hitter and will do it again tonight.
Votto relieved
Even though he loves his hometown, Joey Votto was the happiest guy walking through U.S. customs Thursday night to escape Toronto.
"You have no idea how happy I was to leave," he said. "It was too much at once for a young player, all the media attention. It was nice seeing my family and friends, but I was happy to leave."
Votto was on a seven-game hitting streak (14-28, .500) when he arrived in Toronto, but was 1 for 11 (a double) for the three games with five strikeouts and two walks.
Dunn gets booed
Wasn't it Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi who heavily criticized Adam Dunn on his radio show? Dunn didn't fight back.
But Toronto fans took it out on Dunn, booing him vociferously over the three days.
Dunn laughed about it and said, "I didn't mind. It's kinda nice getting booed on the road. At least they're paying attention to you."
