Saturday, July 22, 2000
REDS NOTEBOOK
Luebbers to sit instead of start
By Chris Haft and John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Larry Luebbers will miss today's scheduled start against the Arizona Diamondbacks because of tightness in his right forearm.
Ron Villone (7-6, 6.10 ERA) will replace Luebbers, who has difficulty following through with his pitches. Villone has made two relief appearances since being dropped from the starting rotation.
Dr. Tim Kremchek, the Reds' team physician, said Luebbers' problem isn't serious.
“We're going to hold him back a few days,” Kremchek said. “He won't have to miss another start, but he's cer tainly going to be unable to pitch (today).”
WOHLERS WOWS 'EM: Mark Wohlers could be ready to assume Scott Williamson's old role of backup closer to Danny Graves.
Wohlers returned to the major leagues Thursday for the first time since April 1999 and threw two perfect innings.
“He's no stranger to closing games,” pitching coach Don Gullett said. “It's not a question of whether he can handle it mentally. It's a physical thing. I think he'll be able to do it.”
Wohlers, a former closer for the Atlanta Braves, reached 97 mph with his fastball Thursday.
“He was free and easy at 95, 97,” Gullett said. “He was getting his slider and split-finger down. Obviously, we're real pleased.”
FERNANDEZ UPDATE: Pitcher Osvaldo Fernandez, on the 15-day disabled list with a sore elbow since July 7, threw for the first time Friday since going on the DL.
“He threw about 50 pitches from different distances — 30, 45 and 60 feet,” Gullett said. “He got good extension and arm speed. He was free and easy with no pain.”
Kremchek said the right-hander should be able to resume throwing off a mound next week.
BOONE UPDATE: Third baseman Aaron Boone, on the 15-day disabled list with a sore left knee, took soft-toss batting practice for the first time since going on the DL. He also was fitted for a brace and has begun running.
“It gets better and better every day,” Boone said. “But there's no timetable. We're taking it slow.”
Kremchek said Boone's progress in the next 10 days will determine whether he undergoes season-ending surgery.”
MORE INJURY UPDATES: Second baseman Pokey Reese, who has missed the last three games with a sore left groin, will need at least two more days of evaluation, Kremchek said. ... Williamson's sore elbow is a chronic but minor problem, and “it doesn't appear to be anything that will set him back,” Kremchek said. Williamson will throw for Gullett today.
WIVES' FOOD DRIVE: The Reds' wives are having their third annual Help Us Feed the Hungry Day today. For every donation of food, clothing or money brought to today's game, fans will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win free Reds tickets or a $50 gift certificate to the Dugout Store.
NO BP: The Reds did not take batting practice before Friday's game. The team did not get back from Houston until 3 a.m. Friday.
“We're going to hit at 7:35 (p.m.),” McKeon said, in reference to Friday's game time.
HIT PARADE: Dante Bichette extended his hitting streak to 15 games and Sean Casey extended his to 14 games with first-inning hits Friday night.
FLASHBACK: Mike Bell stepped into the Reds' clubhouse for the first time in 15 years.
“It was weird,” Bell said. “It seems a lot smaller.”
Bell used to visit the Reds' clubhouse when his father, Buddy, played for the team.
UP NEXT: Villone will go today (1:25, Channel 19) against Arizona right-hander Geraldo Guzman (2-0, 0.56 ERA).
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