Posted on September 19, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
Chipper Jones could be back as soon as Tuesday, the first day he is eligible to return from teh DL, according to the AP. Jones hasn’t played since straining the oblique muscle on his left side on Sept. 3. “I’ll see how he does tonight” in batting practice, Cox said. “He’s not going to be 100 percent, but hopefully he can get as close to there as possible. We want him to come back. It just doesn’t have to be tomorrow. Whenever he’s going to play, he’s not going to be at 100 percent.” Willy Aybar will head to the bench if Chipper returns.
Roy Oswalt left Monday night’s game against in the seventh inning because of a muscle spasm in his neck, according to the AP. Team officials said he is day-to-day. It’s nothing that should cause him to miss additional time. Oswalt allowed two runs in 6 2/3 innings before leaving and was in line for the victory.
Geoff Jenkins went 3-for-4 with a homer Monday to help the Brewers beat the Cardinals 4-3 in 10 innings. Albert Pujols had a three-run homer among his three hits, but he didn’t get any help and the Brewers were able to open the series on a positive note. The streaky Jenkins is batting .486 with five homers this month. He’ll likely start against every right-hander the rest of the way. The Brewers don’t seem to want him any longer, but it’d still be to their benefit if he finishes strong.
Despite giving up a solo homer to Todd Hollandsworth, Dan Wheeler got the save Monday in the Astros’ 5-3 defeat of the Reds. Brad Lidge was bypassed tonight after struggling in his last two appearances. Expect Wheeler to get a couple of more saves prior to season’s end. He’s been Houston’s best reliever all year long.