Wednesday, June 12, 2002
Riedling ready to contribute
Call-up gives Reds bullpen depth but four starters
By John Fay jfay@enquirer.com
The Cincinnati Enquirer
ARLINGTON, Texas — John Riedling was back with the Reds on Tuesday. How long he's there is not certain.
“I told John that he may not been here for good,” Reds general Jim Bowden said. “It depends on our needs. We'll see how he pitches.”
Riedling was chosen because he had pitched well and because the Reds don't need another starter to replace Carlos Almanzar until June22.
Riedling was 1-0 with a 4.66 ERA in seven games and 9 2/3innings at Triple-A Louisville. But, in three of his last four outings, Riedling showed the stuff that helped him go 4-2 with a 2.39 ERA over the last two years.
“He was throwing 92 (mph), 94 with a good sinker,” Bowden said.
That's very similar to what Reds closer Danny Graves throws.
Riedling, a 26-year-old right-hander, had arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum and rotator cuff Sept.4. He didn't even begin throwing off the mound until spring training.
“I feel like I'm back to where I was before the surgery,” Riedling said. “My last couple of outings were really positive. I feel like I can take up where I left off and help this club.”
Riedling was 1-1 with a 2.41 ERA and allowed only 22 hits in 33 innings last year, despite pitching through the shoulder problems.
Right now at least, Reds manager Bob Boone plans to use Riedling much the way he has used Scott Williamson, meaning not pitching him back-to-back days.
Riedling, however, thinks he is close to being able to work consecutive days. He was warming up for Louisville on Monday after pitching Sunday.
“They shut me down after they heard Almanzar and (Jose) Silva were hurt,” he said. “I've been feeling better the days after I pitch.”
Riedling replaced Almanzar on the Reds' roster. Almanzar suffered a fractured right index finger Monday when he tried to bare-hand a ball off the bat of Texas' Alex Rodriguez.
Almanzar was examined by Reds medical director Dr.Tim Kremchek Tuesday and is expected to miss two to four weeks. He'll begin throwing in seven to 10 days.
Silva slightly sprained his ankle later in Monday's game. Silva was available Tuesday, although it was unlikely he'd pitch since he threw 3 2/3innings Monday.
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Riedling ready to contribute
