Thursday, July 04, 2002
Rijo could be activated after All-Star break
By Tom Groeschen tgroeschen@enquirer.com
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Jose Rijo's latest comeback took an encouraging turn Wednesday.
Rijo, on the disabled list since June 7 with a sore right shoulder, threw between 40 and 50 pitches off a mound before the Reds-Astros game. All the throws were fastballs, with Rijo saying he really cut loose on maybe two pitches.
“I felt great. It's scary how good I feel,” Rijo said.
The Reds plan to have Rijo throw three more times on the sidelines before activating him shortly after the All-Star break.
“He threw nice and free and easy,” Reds manager Bob Boone said. “It's very encouraging.”
It is unclear whether Rijo will start or relieve, but Boone is leaning toward relief at the outset.
“I may want to get him some innings for a pitch count,” Boone said.
Rijo, 37, has had five surgeries on his right (pitching) elbow since 1995, when his career appeared ended by arm trouble. He returned to the majors in 2001, going 0-0 with a 2.12 ERA in 13 relief appearances with the Reds.
This year, Rijo is 4-3 with a 5.21 ERA in 13 games, including eight starts. When he went on the disabled list, some wondered if he'd return, given his age and history of arm trouble. But Rijo said Wednesday his arm feels better than it did Opening Day.
“Without a doubt,” he said. “I feel awesome. I can't wait to get back out there.”
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Rijo could be activated after All-Star break
