Posted on August 30, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Padres manager Bruce Bochy said odds are better than 50 percent that Khalil Greene will be activated from the disabled list when eligible on Sunday. He received a cortisone shot in his strained left middle finger on Tuesday. He’ll try to swing a bat in two or three days. Even if he is activated from the DL the Padres are unlikely to give him many at-bats until the finger is 100 percent healthy.
Stephen Drew missed his second straight game Tuesday due to inflammation in his right hand. However, manager Bob Melvin said there is a chance that the shortstop will take part in tonight’s game. “I think he’s a little puzzled that it’s bothering him to this level,” Melvin said. “Usually stuff like that, even if you’re playing, unless you reaggravate it, it usually gets a little better and it just hasn’t for him. Drew could return to the lineup on Wednesday.
Roy Oswalt held the Brewers to four hits over seven innings, but did not record a decision. Pitching on his 29th birthday, he was cruising heading into seventh, having surrendered just one hit and retiring 14 straight. But Oswalt was touched for three straight doubles and wound up surrendering three runs and a walk against seven strikeouts for the start. He had to throw 111 pitches while seeing his ERA inch up to 3.25. In other Oswalt news, the Astros signed him to a $73 million, five-year contract extension on Tuesday, according to the AP. Oswalt had one more year of arbtration remaining after making $11 million this year. His new deal, which has a no-trade clause and an option for a sixth year, will pay Oswalt $13 million in each of the first two years and $14 million in 2009. He will get $15 million in 2010 and $16 million in 2011. The contract includes a $2 million buyout for 2012. Oswalt could opt out of that year and take a smaller payment. It’s a fair price given his talent, though committing to any pitcher for such a length of time is a big risk. Oswalt’s strikeout rate has steadily dipped, his batting-average against has increased and he has had oblique issues. A decline over the next few years is a real possibility.
Matt Wise hopes to throw off a mound tonight for the first time since going on the DL with nerve irritation in his right elbow, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. “It’s still there a little but it’s progressing,” Wise said. Wise is expected to come off the DL after rosters expand.
Mark Mulder indicated that he’s still having trouble with his shoulder and he’ll be examined by Cardinals team doctor George Paletta on Wednesday. “There’s still something going on,” he said. “I’m obviously not right out there. It’s not pain, it’s just not right.” National League hitters have found him just right all year long. Unless Mulder can find an arm slot that will give him more velocity or movement, he’s not going to help the Cardinals. Anthony Reyes should be up to take his rotation spot next week. Mulder lasted only 1 2/3 innings Tuesday night, matching the shortest outing of his career. He gave up five runs on six hits in his second start since returning from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for more than two months. In his last two starts, Mulder has allowed 14 runs on 15 hits and seven walks in 4 2/3 innings.
Moises Alou returned to the lineup on Tuesday after missing seven starts with tightness in his left hamstring. He went 1-for-4.
Jeff Kent finished 4-for-7 with a home run Tuesday against the Reds. Kent has an extra-base hit in five straight games, homering twice in that span. He’s batting .304 with four homers and 18 RBI in 20 games since returning from a strained oblique.
Chipper Jones scored three, drove in three and homered for the third straight game on Tuesday. Jones is up to .325 with 75 RBI for the year now. He added his sixth steal, and looks to be over his oblique strain, making him a solid play for the remainder of the season.
Tim Lincecum allowed one run in 5 1/3 shutout innings and struck out 11 for Single-A San Jose on Sunday. Lincecum now has a 49/9 K/BB ratio in 26 2/3 innings as a pro. Previously, he had fanned 10 while allowing two runs in 4 2/3 innings Tuesday. He remains a candidate to join he Giants in September, probably as a reliever.