Wednesday, August 07, 2002
Hamilton replaces ailing Dessens
By John Fay jfay@enquirer.com
The Cincinnati Enquirer
DENVER - It's a good situation if, when your ace goes on the disabled list, you can replace him with your Opening Day starter. That's what the Reds did Tuesday when they placed right-hander Elmer Dessens on the 15-day DL with a strained right groin muscle and brought back Joey Hamilton from a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville.
Hamilton will start tonight (9:05) against the Colorado Rockies in Dessens' place.
“It's good for me because I get a chance,” Hamilton said. “It's good for them because they have someone ready. It's just unfortunate that something has to happen to Elmer. Hopefully, I'll be able to fill in without missing a beat.”
If Hamilton can pitch like he did to earn the Opening Day assignment and like he did early in the season, the Reds won't miss a beat. Dessens, 7-5 with a 2.67 ERA, has been good in 21 of his 23 starts.
Hamilton has struggled since straining a hamstring May 7. He was 2-1 with a 3.10 ERA before the injury but 1-4, 7.09 since.
The injury forced Hamilton on the DL July 17. He has been good in three rehab outings for Louisville (1-0 with a 2.57 ERA in 14 innings).
Hamilton makes his return at Coors Field, never described as pitcher-friendly.
“I remember some games I pitched here where I started out well,” he said. “But if you pitch long enough here, you're going to give up some runs.”
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Hamilton replaces ailing Dessens
