Friday, April 30, 1999

REDS NOTEBOOK

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Wohlers to pitch Sunday for Indy

BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer

        PHILADELPHIA — With nothing left to accomplish by throwing in pregame sessions, reliever Mark Wohlers will continue his efforts to return to the major leagues by pitching for Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday at Toledo.

        “I want to pitch in ballgames,” Wohlers said Thursday, emphasizing the word “ballgames. I've done what I could on the side, in batting practice and simulated games. I'm comfortable with what Gully (pitching coach Don Gullett) and I have done. Now I want to apply it.”

        Wohlers' adequate performance in a 38-pitch simulated game at Veterans Stadium prompted the Reds to schedule his minor-league trial.

        “He's making progress. He was much better,” said manager Jack McKeon, comparing this outing with Wohlers' batting-practice stint on Tuesday.

        Wohlers still struggled with his control while facing Mark Sweeney and Dmitri Young, issuing four walks. But the right-hander also recorded four strikeouts and allowed only one hard-hit ball.

        Once again, Wohlers had more control of his slider than his fastball or split-fingered fastball.

Reese rests
        Pokey Reese was out of the starting lineup for the first time this season as manager Jack McKeon opted to be careful with the second baseman's slightly injured left groin.

        Reese hurt himself while running to first base on an RBI groundout in Wednesday's eighth inning. Reese stayed in the game and delivered a two-run single one inning later that broke a tie and helped Cincinnati to its 12-8 victory.

        Reese said he wanted to play.

        “But a day off wouldn't hurt, either. I think I really needed this day to let (the injury) settle down a little bit,” he said.

        Shortstop Barry Larkin and left fielder Greg Vaughn are the only Reds to start every game this season.

No news is ...
        Third-base coach Ron Oester still hasn't heard anything from National League officials about his postgame disagreement April 22 with umpire Mark Hirschbeck.

        But Oester received a phone call from Players Association, who could help him plead his case if disciplinary action is taken against him.

        “If they're going to suspend me or something, I'll fight that,” Oester said.

       

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