Friday, August 23, 2002
Sullivan OK, itching to pitch
Reliever throws, declares troubled shoulder sound
By John Fay, jfay@enquirer.com
The Cincinnati Enquirer
PHOENIX — If it's up to Reds reliever Scott Sullivan, he'll be back pitching Sunday in Houston. “As soon as I'm eligible, I'm ready to go,” he said. “But that's not my call.”
Sullivan has been on the disabled list since Aug.15 with tendinitis in his right shoulder. Because the move was retroactive to Aug.10, Sullivan can pitch Sunday.
The Reds might be inclined to have him wait until Tuesday since Monday is an off day. The team has been cautious about bringing players back from injury.
Sullivan threw off the mound for the first time in nine days before Thursday's game with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“I felt a lot better,” Sullivan said. “As hard-headed as I am, it's hard for me to admit it, but it was a good decision to put me on the DL. I saw a lot of improvement.”
Sullivan, who is 6-3 with a 5.17 ERA, has endured his most frustrating season as a Red. He was hit on the right forearm by a comebacker May13. Sullivan was 3-0 with a 2.10 ERA at the time, but he is 3-3 with a 7.05 ERA since.
BOONE ON HUDSON: Reds manager Bob Boone didn't like what he saw from right-hander Luke Hudson in his return to the big-league club. Hudson went one inning Wednesday, allowing three runs — one earned — and four walks.
“I was disappointed with his command,” Boone said. “We know he has good stuff. But it doesn't do any good if you don't have command.”
Hudson, 25, hit 97 mph on the Bank One Ballpark scoreboard speedgun, but he also threw a pitch that bounced 6 feet in front of home plate.
“He'll get another chance,” Boone said.
LARKIN OUT: Barry Larkin was OK to play Thursday night, but Boone started Russell Branyan at third base and moved Aaron Boone to shortstop. Larkin left Wednesday's game with neck stiffness, but he felt fine after visiting a chiropractor.
Branyan entered Thursday's game on an 0-for-18 skid, which started after his three-homer game against the San Diego Padres on Aug.4. Branyan got three at-bats Wednesday after coming in for Larkin.
“I hope it helps,” Bob Boone said of getting Branyan playing time. “I know sitting doesn't help.”
MEMENTO: Brandon Larson sent the home run ball he hit off Randy Johnson on Aug.15 to the Diamondbacks' clubhouse to get Arizona's ace to sign it. Johnson did.
Another Johnson pitch put Larson on the DL, breaking his right big toe. Larson is on the Reds' road trip and is able to take batting practice. He's unsure when he can play.
“I get a sharp pain when I try to run,” Larson said. “Some guys who have had a broken toe say, "You'll be back in a week or so.' Others say, "It'll be a lot longer.”'
GOOD AND HOT: Reds outfielder Austin Kearns was 6-for-7 with two home runs in the first two games of the Arizona series, which Johnson and Curt Schilling started.
“That's being really hot,” Boone said, “and being really good. That's pretty exciting for the future.”
ELMER TUESDAY: Elmer Dessens probably will start in Tuesday's doubleheader against the NL Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals.
Dessens, on the DL with a strained right groin muscle, was scratched from Thursday's start but thinks he can go Tuesday.
“I don't feel any pain,” he said. “We'll wait and see.”
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Sullivan OK, itching to pitch
