Wednesday, August 08, 2001
Rijo focusing on relief
By John Erardi
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Jose Rijo, the 1990 World Series MVP who hadn't pitched for six years before beginning a comeback early last month in the Reds' minor leagues, will pitch a simulated game this afternoon before Reds evaluators.
He is then tentatively scheduled to pitch in relief Saturday at Triple-A Louisville. Rijo had said late Tuesday afternoon he was going to lobby Bowden for a simulated game, and obviously he prevailed.
Rijo said he likes pitching in relief because it allows him to build arm strength. He and Bowden agreed that Rijo's velocity has been in the 86-88 mph range in all but one minor-league appearance.
Rijo would like to be moved into the Reds bullpen after Saturday's relief appearance in Louisville, but Bowden wasn't making any promises.
“We're not going to bring him up just to bring him up,” Bowden said. “We want to bring him up when we feel he can help our team win and beat out who we have (on the pitching staff). He's definitely made progress.”
Bowden said Rijo's forkball has been “remarkable” and his slider “inconsistent,” and he's had no elbow pain.
“We have no timetable,” Bowden said. “We do believe in miracles.”
Rijo said he will decide in Dominican winter ball whether he can continue to build arm strength to return to a starter's role.
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Rijo focusing on relief
